Amy Krouse Rosenthal, the famous children’s book author who passed away in March will have a film made about her life. Her essay published in the New York Times Modern Love section, “You May Want to Marry My Husband,” went viral earlier this year–which spawned interest in her harrowing story, as Rosenthal was fighting ovarian cancer at the time she wrote it.
Her essay broke readers’ hearts as she delved into her emotions and vulnerabilities about leaving behind her beloved husband and children, stating:
“I want more time with Jason. I want more time with my children. I want more time sipping martinis at the Green Mill Jazz Club on Thursday nights. But that is not going to happen. I probably have only a few days left being a person on this planet. So why I am doing this?
I am wrapping this up on Valentine’s Day, and the most genuine, non-vase-oriented gift I can hope for is that the right person reads this, finds Jason, and another love story begins.
I’ll leave this intentional empty space below as a way of giving you two the fresh start you deserve.”
Rosenthal’s death was too soon, for her family and the readers who loved her work. She was so adored and inspired so many that she engaged with her fans through a successful Instagram-based project called Project 1,2,3, which is now being continued by her daughter, Paris.
Her creativity and capability for love and vulnerability, even at the end, spoke to many. This is why her story is now being made into a film, according to Variety.
I can’t wait to see the film—like o many others, writing and learning about Rosenthal’s life has inspired me. As a writer myself who puts a lot of myself in my work, and gives the people around me the most love I can give, I can’t help but feel for Rosenthal and her family–to depart the world and leave behind the things and people you love most, and to be vulnerable enough to share that process with others. All of us hope we leave our own unique mark on those around us, that we’ll be remembered for doing something positive–and Rosenthal’s own struggle with cancer is an example of someone who met the ultimate challenge with grace. I’ll be sure to have my Kleenex ready.
