Thank you for writing this loving, heartbreaking, beautiful piece. I live in awe of the strength you have to write about this now; I lost my father to cancer a little over three months ago, and still can’t find the words to write that battle the way you have so intimately and accurately described. I don’t expect to for a while, but I am glad to continue to read the words of those who have. I wish you and your children, now young women, much strength and love (though you seem to have both in abundance already) as you navigate your new worlds without Marla’s immediate light, though I know — and can see from your writing — that this light continues to shine on in all of you.