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DEATH
or Better Yet, Live for Today
Recently, there has been more death and morbidity in my life than usual.
There is no easy way to discuss this topic. Death is finite and simultaneously infinitely painful for the survivors. Everyone learns in the moment how to deal with death. There is no on-the-job training. We are not born ready to accept this reality.
It is simply thrust upon us.
While I deal with illness and death more frequently than the average American, an occupational reality, it never becomes easy. Each loss has its own weight. Each reminds us of truths we would rather not face.
I found myself sitting quietly with these recent events and wondering what I would want for myself and my family if this had happened to me today. What would I have wanted for my friends and family if I had died at 17? At 35? At 55?
What words would I say to my parents if I could speak to them one final time?
What would I want my children to know?
What would I hope my friends remembered?
As these thoughts swirled in the sadness of loss, I kept returning to one simple idea:
Live every day as if it could be your last, with honor and respect for yourself and others…..
Dr. M
