Cancer victim leaves secret note to family on back of mirror

A grieving father was shocked to find a secret hidden message left by his daughter, who had just died from cancer. Last month, 13-year-old Athena Orchard died after a battle with osteosarcoma, a cancer that develops in growing bones, and her family was burdened with task of going through her belongings. Her father turned over her mirror and found a 3,000 word inspirational message that she never mentioned to anyone.

He told the Leicester Mercury, "She never mentioned it, but it's the kind of thing she'd do. I started reading it but before long i had to stop because it was too much, it was heartbreaking."

Athena's words were insightful, touching, and reflective for someone of any age, let alone thirteen. She wrote, "Love is rare, life is strange, nothing lasts and people change," "Maybe it's not about the happy ending, maybe it's about the story," and "There's no need to cry because i know you'll be by my side."

Athena's mother says that she knew her daughter loved to write, but had no idea the message existed. She told the Daily Mail, "We're keeping the mirror forever. Just reading her words felt like she was still here with us."

That's the thing about mirrors; they force you to look at yourself and see things for what they really are. Athena's words will not just have her family reflect on what's important, they will affect everyone who reads her message.