Hannah's Gift Analysis

Maria Housden shares: “The truest measure of a life is not in length, but the fullness in which it is lived” (6). This quote goes along perfectly with the heartwarming and heartbreaking story of young Hannah Martell as she handles her illness with positivity while teaching those around her valuable life lessons along her journey. While reading Maria’s recount of her difficult journey, my emotions were greatly affected, my perspective on life transformed, and I was awed by the acts of by others after Hannah had passed.
Reading Hannah’s Gift stirred up many emotions in my heart. Much of Maria Housden’s story was heartwarming but sad as I felt as if I was experiencing her journey right there with her. The memories Maria shared about Hannah left
Two specific memories after Hannah passed away had a strong impact on me as I read. The first was when Maria received the woven rug from a stranger saying the rug was a gift from Hannah. The story of Hannah continuously ran through the woman’s mind, seeming as though it was a sign from God and message from Hannah to her family saying she was with them. I was confused at first since it seemed quite strange that this message was received via a random stranger to Maria, but as she described the details woven into the rug, my confusion turned to awe. The angel woven into the rug resembled specific details of Hannah and included the pink rose resembling the middle name Hannah chose for her new baby sister at the time. The second memory was when Madelaine exclaimed she played with Hannah in heaven before she was born as they passed the pink house Hannah once claimed she would own one day. This was very heartwarming and awe inspiring as well since they had never discussed Hannah liking this house before. It sparked my fascination in how a child’s mind operates and revealed the presence of God working in the mind of a child. The story of Hannah’s Gift will always stick in my mind. Maria Housden has sparked my interest in and willingness to help a child like Hannah and a family like the Martells. Many of the lessons Maria learned from her daughter were ones I needed to hear