They say nothing is guaranteed except taxes and death.
Both are hard to take.
Sometimes in life, we have time to process a person’s terminal illness and imminent death.
In one situation, the Dose had the opportunity to sit with my dying friend, who told me to ask her anything.
So I did.
The request: Tell me your best life lessons.
Her response:
- Live life fully every day.
- Don’t worry about things you can’t control.
- Give back – your time, money, and yourself.
- Spend time wisely – make it quality time.
- Pick your friends wisely.
Besides these life lessons, Cheryl told me of her regrets.
What she told me made me think of my regrets. So, one year I lived as if it were my last. As I recall, at the end of those 365 days, I had accomplished much, connected with others, and embraced every opportunity life had to offer… I had no regrets. Engaging with life each and every day was my focus.
How do I remember this? I kept a journal.
Not that our dying should be top of mind, but glean from those who are at the end of life and heed their words well.
Don’t wait. Death, unlike taxes, sometimes comes due without warning.
Photo: Cheryl, my dearest friend for over 30+ years, who passed away in 2021.
2 Responses
It sounds like Cheryl was a very wonderful and wise person.
Just like you,Donna.
The world needs more people like you and Cheryl.
Thank you for your kind words, Jean.
Cheryl was truly a wonderful person… a dear, dear friend to me.