Molly is no longer able to add to her blog, her body was recovered from the wreckage of the Fr. Wasson Center in Petion-Ville, Haiti following the January 12th earthquake.
Molly's family is very proud of what she has done in her 22 years on this earth and hope that you will learn from Molly's writings what drove her to leave a life full of family, friends, hot water, clean water, plentiful food and peppermint frappuccinos, to a life of cold showers, bug bites, rice and beans everyday, and hot muggy days. Its very simple, THE CHILDREN. In Haiti she found unconditional love, simple pleasures, smiles all day and a second family. And it made her smile.
If you would like to help continue Molly's dream and journey, please follow the listed link to the Friends of the Orphans web site set up in Molly's name.
http://www.friendsoftheorphans.org/molly
Posted by her loving and extremely sad family, both of them
She did more in her short life than most of us will ever do.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss.
Molly in video?
ReplyDeleteAfter looking at Molly's Haiti youtube videos (MollyMackenzie329), in which her joy in working with the children is quite evident, I noticed that she had subscribed to the postings of RobinSchwartz32, so I looked at some of those, as well. It looks as if she appears (in the background, taking a photo) in seconds 30-34 of Robin's video of Sister Altagrace. Just thought you would like to know about this.
Molly was a wonderful person. May God give you comfort and peace.
I did not know Molly. I only learned of her after her death. I only wish I could have known her. She is truly an inspiration! How amazing for anyone of any age, especially a 22-year-old, to live such a selfless life dedicated to serving the poorest and neediest: special needs orphans in Haiti. Her life is an example for all to model. I will pray for Molly's friends and family - that He comforts you now and always. I'm aching for you and am so sad that such a beautiful girl is gone.
ReplyDeleteMolly's story touched my heart, I followed her blog before her passing. I did not know her personally but admired her strength and willingness to bring happiness to the children she helped. Molly was a true Angel living on Earth and will now be one in Heaven forever. May her memories live in the hearts and minds of her loved ones until she is reunited with her family and friends. My deepest sympathy goes out to everyone who she touched with her smile,spirit and love. God Bless you all.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful human being.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Molly during a group project in one of my psych classes and she was a true delight.
ReplyDeleteMy heart breaks for you at the loss of your beautiful, engaging, spirited daughter. What an example of the hands and feet of Christ she is to so many.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know Molly, chances are our paths would have never crossed. However, I came across this blog about two months ago and had been following ever since and to hear of her passing, I wept. The lord is often swift with taking those he needs by his side. I'm very sorry for her family , domestic and internationl. What a great, young , and beautiful humanitarian.
ReplyDeletePraying for the family she left behind. She sounds like an amazing young woman.
ReplyDeleteMolly's spirit will live on and on through her family and her work, support, love for her children. Molly's life was short but her journey long lasting. She inspired us so much!
ReplyDeleteI'm so, so sorry for your devastating loss. My prayers are with you all.
ReplyDeleteIt's in the Spanish press aswell
ReplyDeleteEverybody is with you with thoughts and prayers. She was brave enough to do what so many of us know it's the right thing to do, but just don't have the courage to take the responsability for.
ReplyDeleteHer presence and example will remain and inspire forever.
You raised a wonderful woman who changed the world in ways we may never know but it is certain. She changed the world in every life she touched and those children she cared for go on to influence. Thank you for the gift you gave to the world.
ReplyDeleteI also thought you might want to preserve her blog outside of just the internet and have a hard copy. There are sites on the web where you can have her blog turned into a actual book you can hold in your hands. Just a thought.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
What a terrible loss. I've been touched and inspired by reading Molly's blog, and learning more about her work in Haiti. My condolences to all of her family and friends.
ReplyDeleteMolly's writing is some of the most inspirational and powerful I have ever seen. I feel lucky to be one of many who have been touched by her work (though I never knew her) and am so sorry for her family and the children she was helping. I am certain that her blog alone will inspire many people to pick up where she left off.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless Molly and her family. she was an awesome person.
ReplyDeleteI had initially read about Molly last week on msnbc.com. At that time I checked out her blog and said a prayer that she would be found quickly and safely. I was heartbroken today to hear of her passing. What a beautiful, extraordinary girl! She is an inspiration to others. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
ReplyDeleteJennifer
California
I am in tears, I am so sorry. What an amazing, shining light Molly is.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful young woman and an inspiration to us all. You must be so proud of the live she lived and of her loving heart.
ReplyDeleteMay God wrap you in love in your grief.
I first heard this story on Ron and Don last week and, even without knowing how sadly it would end, I found myself choked up because I can only pray that my two young childrens' lives will be so valuable to the world. Shortly after her funeral, Ron and Don put together a lovely tribute to Molly and aired it on their show. I downloaded the Podcast and trimmed it down to just the tribute. I will gladly send it to anyone who emails me: george@indieshares.com. Rest in Peace, Molly.
ReplyDeleteI truly believe that if all people had the generous spirit that Molly had, the world would be the type of world Jesus Christ would be proud of. May all of us try, as she did, to make the world a better place!
ReplyDeleteRest in peace, Molly, in Heaven. Your work here is done, and done well.
I did not know Molly before reading this blog today. I am moved by what I have read. I want to remember her with deeds I intend to pay forward in her behalf, I feel that I know her a little bit better now and I expect that I will get to know her better as I attempt to increase tenfold, in her honor, the obvious gift of love that she has brought to this world.
ReplyDeleteI possibly know someone who was in the quake, a musician friend who owned a nightclub in Port-auPrince, his name is Jean Etienne. He is a great singer and conga player, has a voice similar to a Haitian Bob Marley. I knew him when he was in Los Angeles in the 1990's. The band was called the Magyk Band. I hope he made it. It would not surprise me if Molly, or people she knows, knew of him. May you Rest in Peace, Molly. Sincere love to her family and friends,
Love, "Mrs. Slug" in Oregon
So sorry to hear of your loss. I found your daughters blog right after the earthquake and read every entry.
ReplyDeleteWhat a woman!!! She was such an example of the Lord's love & compassion.
I'm so sorry for all of your loss. For the precious children of Haiti, and for her American family. For her readers...
ReplyDeleteMay God give you peace and comfort during this terribly time.
In following the early news of Haiti, I came across a link to Molly's blog.
ReplyDeleteMolly sounds like a wonderful, giving young woman that any of us would have been proud to call friend.
We all lost a little something when we lost her.
My heartfelt sympathies for all of Molly's family and friends.
Thank You for leaving her blog up to share a little of her with the rest of us. May her story continue to inspire others to reach out and give the gift of time and self.
Carolyn. Washington State.
I am weeping for the loss of this amazing young woman. A saint was with us and was there to comfort the children she was with. I have passed Molly's story on to others on my blog, twitter and facebook so that other know of her and her work.
ReplyDeleteI have been so moved by Molly's story in all of this constant stream of news coverage. Perhaps it is because I see in Molly so much of who I wanted to be when I was her age. A lot has to do with the poignant title of her blog. I would recommend everyone to read the lyrics to the song it was taken from, "Seasons of Love" from the play Rent. I think a lot of it has to do with how she pointed out the mundane details of a life so filled with the many differences she was experiencing in Haiti during her time there. It certainly put a face to the nameless and faceless tragedy we have all been witnessing. Mostly because it is just so, so sad. All of it. However, the other day I was riding my bike up a hill, and I actually found myself saying, I am going to do this for Molly. I know that sounds a little silly when you put it in perspective, but that is how change starts. One person, putting their mark on the world for all to see. One person, putting their mark on the world for one to see. Or, one person, putting their mark on the world without a thought of who would see it, but only because they felt the call to put it there. I hope that Molly's legacy is to show how beautiful life can be, up to the very end.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for the family's loss, but so thankful for the time they had with her, and the time that she shared with all the world.
Seasons Of Love lyrics
ReplyDeleteSongwriters: Larson, Jonathan D.
Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes,
Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Moments so dear
Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes
How do you measure, measure a year?
In daylights, in sunsets, in midnights
In cups of coffee
In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife
In five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes
How do you measure a year in the life?
How about love? How about love?
How about love? Measure in love
Seasons of love
Seasons of love
Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes
Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Journeys to plan
Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes
How do you measure the life
Of a woman or a man?
In truths that she learned
Or in times that he cried
In bridges he burned
Or the way that she died
It's time now to sing out
Tho' the story never ends
Let's celebrate
Remember a year in the life of friends
Remember the love
(Oh you got to, got to)
Remember the love
(Remember the love)
Seasons of love
(Measure measure you life in love)
Seasons of love
Seasons of love
molly has wings...
ReplyDeleteI am heartbroken for your family. What a special person she was. The world needs more people like her. Prayers for you.
ReplyDeleteSarah
I'm so very sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts are with you.
I read about Molly earlier this week and have been haunted by the image of the beautiful, smiling young woman with a heart of gold...
ReplyDeleteMy own heart goes out to the family and friends of Molly, for she was truly a priceless gift, and when priceless gifts are gone, they can never be replaced.
Hold tight to your memories, for they are the precious remnants of Molly's all-too short sojourn on this earth. And be proud that you knew and loved a woman who has inspired and touched the lives of many souls.
I believe that Molly was greeted with "Well done good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over..." when she entered heaven. She did all that He asks us to do and He is well pleased with her. For you, I'm so very sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteMy sister left Haiti just days before the earthquake, so I could have been writing your post about Molly about her. You have my deepest sympathy.
Destiny D.
This absolutely breaks my heart. I am so sorry for the loss of your compassionate, beautiful and very inspirational daughter.
ReplyDeleteMay her blessings be continued through the children and others who want to help just like her. I would love to go to Haiti one day and help, maybe after my children are a little older to go with me! tara pakosta
Please keep Molly's blog and youtube account permanantly active. They will serve as a constant reminder to all of us of how we are called to Love.
ReplyDeleteChad
Like many before me, I have no words that will ease your sorrow and nothing new to express. But I want you to know that although I never met your daughter she has inspired me as she inspired many others. After living in Honduras for 2 years after college I returned to the states, and here I had begun to lose my passion and love for the poor and get numb to the world again. Molly life has reminded me what it means to give completely of oneself and to love from the profundity of ones heart. Thank you for sharing your beautiful daughter with the world. Please know that I will be praying for her but I am sure that when the gates of heaven opened Christ was there and greeted her "well done, good and faithful servant". I pray the Blessed Mother be with you during this time to comfort you in your sorrow. Please know that you will be in my prayers and that Molly will live on in the hearts of all of us who she touched! She will not be forgotten!
ReplyDeleteI am very sorry for your loss. However, I am very honored to know there are still people in this world, willing to give their lives to work of God through their love to those in need.
ReplyDeleteAs a catholic, latinamerican, I am honored to know this girl has her place in heaven. God bless her family and everyone who is mourning her loss...which I honestly consider a great gain amongst God's angels. May Molly rest in peace and in the happiness of being in the presence of the Lord for all eternity.
God Bless you all!
Marissa Morales
27, Honduras
I just came across your daughter's blog this morning, and I was profoundly moved. As a pediatric physical therapist, it caught my eye and her story drew me in. My heart aches for her family and friends, as well as all her special children in Haiti left behind.
ReplyDeletePope John Paul II called on us, the young people, to live RADICALLY for Christ. It appears Molly did just that. She lived a life of heroic love.
I will be praying for her family as you grieve her loss. A physical loss of her presence here on earth...but oh, what did she gain? I believe that she was met by our Lord, with open arms, saying: "Well done, my good and faithful servant!"
Well done, Molly! Well done!
Molly's story is truly inspirational. What a magnificent woman.
ReplyDeleteMy deepest sympathies & prayers are with you.
An inspiration to all. Thank you for what you have done in haiti. The world will miss your heart and soul.
ReplyDelete-TARA
To Molly's family:
ReplyDeleteI am very sorry for your loss. As we all know, Molly is just one loss amongst the thousands in this earthquake, yet touching because she left a legacy to share. Her blog is truly inspiring to other youngsters. I was looking for an organization to volunteer with after the disaster struck. I had been looking for a place to put my skills to use, and Nos Petits Freres looks like a wonderful place! Their work is inspiring and so was Molly's work. I want you to know that I am a 24 year old young woman, with a major in French and currently getting a Master's in International Studies and I can't wait to finish my application with Nos Petits freres. I only hope they will take me so that I can help continue the work that Molly and so many of us wish to complete. The children are our future in this world.
Again, I hope that the inspiration she has left some is a consolation for you as her parents, siblings. Someone is looking up to her, she is someone's hero. I only hope that someday, someone will remember me as well. Thank you Molly.
- Maria Luisa
So very sorry for your loss. She sounds like a light in a very dark place...so glad these children were able to experience her love. Have you heard of the boy she talked about in the last post?
ReplyDeleteI saw Molly's story last week and couldn't get her out of my head. I finally found her blog again and I'm so sad to see she is gone. She was a beautiful woman, and I aspire to be like her.
ReplyDeleteMy sincerest condolences to all her family and friends.
Christina, NY
Wow, what an amazing person. So sad to be taken so soon. I am sure her legacy will live on in the lives of those children she has touched. Take care Molly, wherever you are.
ReplyDeleteGodspeed, a life given to others.
ReplyDelete(Thanks to @joeloleson for referring me here.)
Thank you to all who have read Molly's blog and are touched by her experiences. We read and enjoy everyone comment.
ReplyDeleteThank you,
Mike and Mary Hightower
deeply saddened by this news...I take inspiration from such a bright soul who carried hope and smiles to those less fortunate. her family is SO blessed to have had such a giving heart in their midst... may u all be comforted and loved beyond belief.
ReplyDelete"Measure your life in love" -RENT
ReplyDeleteIn that case, Molly's life was lived to the fullest and her love will continue to affect a countless number of people!
God bless Molly and her family, and the orphaned children Molly clearly loved very dearly.
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to the family of this lovely young woman.
ReplyDeleteI am crying as I write this.
God bless you for having brought up a daughter with wonderful values.
We are lucky to hear about her.
Please keep Molly's blog online. I've only been able to read a few posts, but would like to read them all.
ReplyDeleteMolly has been an inspiration to me. The world benefited from her existence; I hope I can do the same.
AMDG
I learned about Molly in late January when a dear friend sent me a news article with the comment, "She seems like the perfect mix of you and what you want to do." Molly's story has given me the courage I have been lacking to pursue my dream of working with orphans, and shown me the direction I must take to do so. I will be leaving for Honduras in June to spend the year working with NPH at Rancho Santa Fe. I hope that perhaps Molly's family may find some peace knowing that she has acted as an inspiration and that even in death she is changing the world for the better.
ReplyDeleteI think about you every single day Molly. Happy birthday!
ReplyDeleteThinking of you, Molly. You continue to be an inspiration to me, especially as I near graduation and consider how I want to live my life after college.
ReplyDeletea am deeply sorry, i dont know what some people are talking about, i would do anything to look like her, molly will always be one of my rolemodels.
ReplyDeleteBless you Molly! Your story was inspirational to me as my life dream is to work with orphans in Africa. It's sad you had to pass away in an earthquake but know that your story lives on!
ReplyDeleteMay God give you a huge home in Heaven and God bless your parents!
Derek From Maple Valley, WA
Molly we are leaving tomorrow to visit where you worked and lived this past year changing the lives of many forever. I love you so much and know that you are going to be with us every step of the way. We can't wait to see your kids and see all you did to share your smile and gifts with so many. Your heart will forever be in mine. LOVE YOU Aunt Margot
ReplyDeleteMolly,
ReplyDeleteToday I made a donation to nph.org in your memory. It wasn't much, but it was what I could expend. It still makes me feel like crap that I lambasted and belittled all the media and corporate attention that Haiti received in the days after the earthquake. This is especially true since someone like you, who did more in seven months than I will in the rest of my life, gave the ultimate sacrifice for the betterment of humanity. I cannot go on because words are failing me right now...
Thank you,
Shane Anderson
Alabama
P.S.- I will re post this on a Facebook page that is in tribute to you.
Molly is the inspiration for my volunteer trip to Haiti in 3 weeks. Her spirit lives on.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if you still check this - but in case you do, I just want you to know that I still think of Molly - often - and have become a supporter of the work being done in Haiti. Please also know that you and your family continue to be in my prayers - especially at this holiday time and as the anniversary of her death approaches.
ReplyDeleteI still think about Molly everyday - and so does my 19 year old sister. Yet we never met her.
ReplyDeleteI sent her story to the Spanish press one year ago.
She IS an angel
I did not have the pleasure of meeting Molly, but I did know her family. From observing their sadness and what I have read in her blog, she was a beautiful person. Every now and then God sends down an angel in human form. Someone surrounded in love who brings joy to those in need. This person was Molly. She made the decision to give up everything she had and give it to those less fortunate. That is what made Molly Hightower so different. She cared. We always say we will do this or that but never actually follow through. We hear about our fellow human beings who are suffering more greatly then we could imagine and do nothing about it. We only think about how we're so glad that we're not the ones in that situation and that its not our problem. They will get through it somehow. Well unless we step up and take action they won't. Molly understood that. That is why she did what she did. She went into Haiti knowing that she would get nothing in return but the satisfaction of doing something right. For whatever reason, God decided that it was Molly's time to go, and I know in my heart that she will enter heaven in peace, knowing she died doing what's right.
ReplyDeleteRest In Peace Molly Hightower....
The light of her life will never be extinguished.
ReplyDeleteLove and prayers.
Although I am only 15, Molly has truly inspired me to try and become a better person. I want to be like her when I get older, kind and compassionate towards others. Her story will not soon be forgotton. XOXO
ReplyDeleteSome may pity me for my experience in all of this, but it is you that I feel sorry for because you weren't given the chance to see a child's eyes light up from being tickled and cuddled by Molly.
ReplyDeleteMr. and Mrs. Hightower,
ReplyDeleteI just want you to know that 2 years later, Molly is still not forgotten. I am a stranger who now follows and helps the the folks that Molly was so drawn to. Her life meant something, she moved people she never met to action in service of the poor. I know it won't ease your sorrow, but each year I will come here and remind you that we have not forgotten her. She has a legacy that most who live far longer never achieve. The lords blessing be on you and your family.