Monday Hearts for Madalene

Eleven months, two weeks, and six days after they met and fell madly in love, Page Hodel and her partner Madalene Rodriguez were torn tragically apart when Madalene passed away from ovarian cancer.

Throughout their brief but blissful relationship, Page crafted a heart to leave on Madalene’s doorstep each Monday. She wanted to ensure that Madalene would start each week with a reminder of how much Page loved her.

After her loss, Page continued to create the weekly hearts, fulfilling the promise she’d made before Madalene’s death. Through this process, she has found a way to cope with mourning and grief. Sharing the hearts is Page’s way of reminding us all to take a moment each week and remember those that are important to us. To sign up to receive an email heart each week, email Page at page.hodel at gmail.com.

There are no words to describe this experience. She navigated her illness with a courage and wisdom that I have never witnessed before in my life. She left this earth with her peaceful gentle grace that was Madalene.

Page has since had a book and a set of cards published to share her experience and the beautiful hearts. You can purchase Page’s amazing collection of beautiful hearts as note cards published by Chronicle Books here. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Women’s Cancer Resource Center in Oakland, California. Below are some of Page’s most recent hearts sent via email on a Monday morning.

copyright © page hodel Novemer 21, 2011

copyright © page hodel october 3, 2011

copyright © page hodel october 17, 2011

Learn more about Monday Hearts for Madalene.