Every time that I hear the Country and Western song, Live like you are dying, it makes me realize how very precious and uncertain life is.
Last Friday night, we joined some friends for dinner. Our friend, Dick, has been diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. Both he and his wife, Donna, understand that it won’t be about winning the war against Pancreatic Cancer, but with luck they hope to win a few battles. They have seven children, all grown,with families of the their own.
When we were talking on Friday night at dinner, I was so impressed with the attitude and approach, Dick and Donna and their family are taking with this disease. One of the first things they did as a family was to go and get tattoos on their right arms. They all choose two Chinese symbols, one for strength and one for courage. Last week, Donna organized a huge birthday party for Dick to celebrate his life with his family and friends, while he was still alive. Next week, they are all going to the Virgin Islands to sail one more time as a family.
Both Donna and Dick are realistic about the next few months, but they are taking each day and living it to the fullest. They reminded me once more that each of us should Live like we are dying.
