Monday Hearts for MadaleneEleven 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.
My Dear Cousin Is Still An Angel at My Side
“The Boy and the Heron” by Hayao Miyazaki
Honoring Seniors, Caregivers: Inside the Vision of Carehaus
I spoke with Page a few months ago and she is the most endearing and delightful woman. She intensely puts her heart into her art and truly has a unwavering love for Madalene. We hope to have a video of her constructing a heart in our Multimedia section in the future. I love her hearts and always have a card sitting at my desk.
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These are the most beautiful hearts. The variety and ideas for each one is of amazing inspiration. It makes me want to create some of my own for healing.
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What beautiful hearts, and what an amazing way of working through grief. I had a person I loved dye of ovarian cancer two years ago. It was very sudden and took me by surprise… and she was so young… in her 40s. Thank you for sharing!
Lots of love
Vanessa
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Thanks Vanessa for coming to visit us. Such a beautiful comment based on your experience. Yes the hearts truly evoke love and the memory of someone who gave beauty in life.
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I moved into an independent living community last year after selling my home. My idea was to be in a supportive situation when it was needed. Most of the residents are 85 years and older. Wonderful people who have slowed down on their travel and adventures, but have many stories to tell. My table mate for lunch lived underwater for over six years. “Well, not continuously, he says, I was in the Submarine Corp during the Cold War.” A dear friend whom I met here has been put under hospice care. I would like to email one of your creative hearts to let her know how much she is loved.
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I moved into an independent living community last year after selling my home. My idea was to be in a supportive situation when it was needed. Most of the residents are 85 years and older. Wonderful people who have slowed down on their travel and adventures, but have many stories to tell. My table mate for lunch lived underwater for over six years. “Well, not continuously, he says, I was in the Submarine Corp during the Cold War.” A dear friend whom I met here has been put under hospice care. I would like to email one of your creative hearts to let her know how much she is loved.
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Hello Mele,
Thank you so much for visiting our website. You would need to request from Page herself for the hearts. You can contact her here http://mondayheartsformadalene.com/ (go to the contact page). We also have our own hearts you may share so please let us know if you would like to.
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