Leesha Loses Her Dad

When the surgeon at Mayo Clinic gave us a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer for Mark’s illness, we knew he was going to die. What he and I didn’t know was how we would make that journey together. The devastating side effects of treatment, wrenching decisions that re-opened family wounds, the beauty of unexpected support, and the unswerving devotion of brothers and sisters – we faced it all. Leesha, our loving and empathetic cat, walked every step of the journey with us. She provided what comfort she could; her devotion to Mark kept her at his side until he died, and her grief for him was profound. Telling this story from Leesha’s point of view helps children cope with illness and death, their own or that of a loved one. They can identify with her confusion, distress, and sadness and finally rejoice as she learns that loving Mark was the greatest gift of all. The photos add great visual power to the story – a real story that happened to real people – and a little cat named Leesha.