"and a little child shall lead them." (Isaiah 11:06)

[Maria Dancing Heart Hoaglund]

I just finished reading one of the most remarkable books that I've read in a very long time. It's called Hannah's Gift: Lessons from a Life Fully Lived, by Maria Housden. For those of you who have not read this exquisite book yet, you're in for a real treat! It is a heart-opening story about a courageous 3-year-old who lived with cancer for about a year before she died. Her mother Maria is a gifted writer and intuitive who has a very special relationship with her daughter and family. Their journey is one that every family needs to read about; we can all learn to live in joy and delight, even in the face of death and grief; the Present Moment is all we have, after all. In the future, when people ask me how to speak with children about death and grief, I know that I will be telling them to read Hannah's Gift.One of the most amazing things about this book is the beautiful way in which Maria is able to portray her daughter's spirit and their powerful connection/relationship. From the very start of the book, you get the picture of a charming, deeply loved child who shines her light brightly wherever she goes -- like the bright red patent leather Mary Jane's she wears! Her warm light and character and humor draw people into her life in a way that is captivating. Her entire family is clearly a very special and unique gift to one another as they move through a heart-wrenching period of their lives. Their honesty and bravery in the face of cancer and death is most inspiring. Maria's determination, too, to help Hannah and her entire family live life to its fullest is evident throughout the book. For those who want to be healed by the gift of life and death, I can't recommend this little gem of a book highly enough.And by the way, I've heard through author Maria that the book will become a movie very soon! I can hardly wait...Stay beautiful, and keep shining your light -- all the other ones are taken ;) Dancing heart~~~

[Greg Schneider]

Maria Housden is a good friend and a member of the HCF. The HEAL Project (parent 501(c)(3) non-profit for HVA) has a volunteer program called Hannah's Friends that supports children with a life-threatening illness and their families. I highly recommend the book as well. It has touched many people around the world.

Maria is expecting to announce a new film that will be based on her book.

Greg Schneider
HCF Creator
Founding Director, Hannah's Friends