I received an email this week saying that a dear friend of ours had passed away this month. In December, he was diagnosed with metastatic cancer - brain tumor - and declared his wishes. "I want to be with family in this last chapter - no intervention". With the help of hospice, he died at home surrounded by Ann, his wife, and his two daughters. Peacefully.
I met Bob at a faith group which comprised radical Catholics, fallen away Catholics (he in the latter category), other faiths. On the group's annual retreats, I found him to be engaging, well read, humorous and a terrific bar companion! Discussions following the programs were always lively; we stayed in a nice hotel.
I felt compelled to post because it hit me in the gut. He was diagnosed suddenly, he died quickly and he was only 81.
I am 72. I may have 18 more years like my father, almost 26 more years like my mother. I may have 9 more like Bob. Or?
On my life's journey, since turning 70, entering my 8th decade(!), I have been quietly, deeply aware of my time on this earth "my one wild and precious life"? (Mary Oliver).
Because of changes I've recently made, my thoughts on this subject have been calmer, more focused, more informative, better remembered! Nonetheless, it is a huge life event, death, right?
I am grateful for Sunset Circle; I can participate, learn, reflect and remember. All this is building a firmer foundation with more confidence, less fear about dying, and, hopefully, a plan for a life well lived.
Bob's passing really brought into focus this is it. Yes, I am a full-time caregiver with too many responsibilities to count. At the same time, I have been completely stymied as to what I "plan to do with (my) one wild and precious life". But I tell you, the urgency to do so is building and I'm pretty excited about it.
Thank you.