Wynne and I were thrilled to sit down with the talented Melanie McGauran recently as she shared the beautiful story of her friend, Lissa.
Lissa’s story will inspire you with reminders about grace – despite adversity – and the power of hope. And purpose.
As Wynne and I listened, we felt honored that Melanie drew us into her circle, to learn about her friend, Lissa, and to be reminded of what matters most:
Friendship…how we use our time, or as Mary Oliver says (in one of my favorite nudges ever) in her poem, “The Summer Day”:
Doesn’t everything die at last, and too soon? Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?
[We had some technical difficulties, so it was only Melanie and Wynne in this YouTube clip but all we were all together in the full podcast episode.]
Please join us for the scenic and beautiful places we go when we share the power of story.
what an inspirational tribute to Melanie’s friend, lissa’s life and her legacy to the world. who better to teach the lessons? and happy for Melanie’s milestone, get the feathers!
Thanks for making my week, ladies. It was a treat to listen to Melanie’s stories. She is a rock star when it comes to writing, not to mention equally humble. New York Times—Holy cow! I remembered her story of Lissa, which I read three years ago on Melanie’s blogging. Now, that’s the sign of a powerful piece, to remember it after these years have passed. The line that popped into my head while I was listening was from the movie The Shawshank Redemption when Morgan Freeman’s character says, “You can either get busy living or get busy dying.” How noble is it to think about others when wrestling with cancer yourself? If my math is correct, I think Melanie is coming up on four years since her last chemo treatment. I’m so happy for her and can’t wait to read her book when it comes out.
I watched the YouTube video regarding the interview as well as listened to the remainder of the interview. It also was a pleasure to remember Melanie’s tattoo story. Two feathers—so perfect! I got a good chuckle about how her mom was not impressed. That makes the story even better. 🤣
I want Melanie and you to know I intend to send this to my goddaughter, a third year medical student at University of Davis Medical Center. She is going to be a terrific doctor because she possesses that very necessary compassionate trait that all excellent medical professionals do.
Oh! That Shawshank quote! You’re right. It’s perfect as a description of Melanie’s grace, and Lissa’s, too. Amazing women and the fact that you see the power of the overall message – Lissa’s life’s work and Melanie’s amplification of it – as a reminder that’s worthy of sharing with your goddaughter and future physician? Gives me chills. Thank you so much, dear Pete! ❤️❤️❤️
Lissa’s comment that life can be rich even if you’re dying can apply to everyone because life is a blink. She’s so right-we should all “live where we are” and squeeze as much good as possible out of each day we’re blessed with and give it to others. Lissa was an amazing altruistic physician and I thank you, Melanie, for sharing her heartwarming story on the Heart of the Matter. :).
What a beautiful story of friendship. Melanie is a compelling storyteller and Lissa’s story is one of hope, gratitude and courage. Cancer is so scary but she faced it with grace and even inspired her students to be better caregivers to those that are facing life changing illness.
I lost two close people in the recent while due to cancer. It is a devastating illness and to find grace and beauty in the moment takes a special kind of attitude and perspective.
I’m with you, Ab. Devastating — yes. Which makes Melanie’s story about Lissa so very precious. Such a privilege to spend time with Melanie and learn about her dear friend. Thank you so much. ❤️
This was so beautiful. Lissa sounds like an inspirational person. I was fortunate to have wonderful and compassionate doctors during my cancer experience. It takes a very special person to do that kind of work. My oncologist was pregnant with twins during my treatment. A year later when I had a follow up appointment after she had returned from maternity leave, she came into the examination room and immediately gave me a big hug. It was so lovely.
The Heart of the Matter 
Melanie’s story of her friend Lissa and herself render any comment I might have as superfluous. Brava to Melanie, Wynne, Vicki and the late Lissa!
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Thank you so much, Dr. Stein – for listening and honoring Melanie…and Lissa with your kind comment. 💕
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I should have added one thing, Vicki. May Melanie have good health now and in the future.
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You are the best. Yes, yes. That…most of all. ❤️
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what an inspirational tribute to Melanie’s friend, lissa’s life and her legacy to the world. who better to teach the lessons? and happy for Melanie’s milestone, get the feathers!
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I’m with you! On all counts…especially the feathers! 🥰
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I did! 🙂 Thank you, Beth.
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Thanks for making my week, ladies. It was a treat to listen to Melanie’s stories. She is a rock star when it comes to writing, not to mention equally humble. New York Times—Holy cow! I remembered her story of Lissa, which I read three years ago on Melanie’s blogging. Now, that’s the sign of a powerful piece, to remember it after these years have passed. The line that popped into my head while I was listening was from the movie The Shawshank Redemption when Morgan Freeman’s character says, “You can either get busy living or get busy dying.” How noble is it to think about others when wrestling with cancer yourself? If my math is correct, I think Melanie is coming up on four years since her last chemo treatment. I’m so happy for her and can’t wait to read her book when it comes out.
I watched the YouTube video regarding the interview as well as listened to the remainder of the interview. It also was a pleasure to remember Melanie’s tattoo story. Two feathers—so perfect! I got a good chuckle about how her mom was not impressed. That makes the story even better. 🤣
I want Melanie and you to know I intend to send this to my goddaughter, a third year medical student at University of Davis Medical Center. She is going to be a terrific doctor because she possesses that very necessary compassionate trait that all excellent medical professionals do.
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Oh! That Shawshank quote! You’re right. It’s perfect as a description of Melanie’s grace, and Lissa’s, too. Amazing women and the fact that you see the power of the overall message – Lissa’s life’s work and Melanie’s amplification of it – as a reminder that’s worthy of sharing with your goddaughter and future physician? Gives me chills. Thank you so much, dear Pete! ❤️❤️❤️
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I owe you a debt of gratitude for opening the door to these two wonderful women. Thank you!
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Lissa’s comment that life can be rich even if you’re dying can apply to everyone because life is a blink. She’s so right-we should all “live where we are” and squeeze as much good as possible out of each day we’re blessed with and give it to others. Lissa was an amazing altruistic physician and I thank you, Melanie, for sharing her heartwarming story on the Heart of the Matter. :).
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Thank you for that beautiful comment, Nancy. In a blink, indeed. ❤️
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What a beautiful story of friendship. Melanie is a compelling storyteller and Lissa’s story is one of hope, gratitude and courage. Cancer is so scary but she faced it with grace and even inspired her students to be better caregivers to those that are facing life changing illness.
I lost two close people in the recent while due to cancer. It is a devastating illness and to find grace and beauty in the moment takes a special kind of attitude and perspective.
Loved this interview.
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I’m with you, Ab. Devastating — yes. Which makes Melanie’s story about Lissa so very precious. Such a privilege to spend time with Melanie and learn about her dear friend. Thank you so much. ❤️
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Just read this over on Wynne’s blog. Full of wisdom!
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🥰🥰🥰
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This was so beautiful. Lissa sounds like an inspirational person. I was fortunate to have wonderful and compassionate doctors during my cancer experience. It takes a very special person to do that kind of work. My oncologist was pregnant with twins during my treatment. A year later when I had a follow up appointment after she had returned from maternity leave, she came into the examination room and immediately gave me a big hug. It was so lovely.
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Oh my. Your doctor sounds like an extra special human…just like Melanie’s friend Lissa. Thank you so much, Michelle! 🥰
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She really was lovely.
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