To make much of time indeed

Yesterday I was hit hard. I read in the paper that he oldest person in the world had died. She was 116, and lived in a remote part of Peru. I learned later that same day that a former colleague, and a friend, had been diagnosed with a terminal illness, and is not expected to live long. Those two events have resonated with me. The woman in Peru was more than twice the age of my friend. What events shaped either of their lives, what choices did one make, and not the other; why ws one granted so long a time on earth, and the others' life cut sadly short? Of course, the answers to such questions will never be answered.
Needless to say, the news has cast my trip in a fresh new light: you never know when the Landlord will call to collect his dues. Some are granted a near double lifetime, while others are taken too soon. All the more reason to live large while one is able, to live in such a manner so as to leave no doubts, to be able to say "tomorrow do thy worst, for I have lived today!" You just never know, that oppurtunity that you postpone ("I will have lots of time for that later") may never come again, and you will be facing the great unknown with the added burden of regret.

What can you possibly say to a person in that prediciment (a terminal illness)? Nothing in our life can compare to what that person is feeling and going through and so manner gestures ring empty - "give so and so my best". All that one can do is to help remind them of the life that they have lived, how they helped so many others achieve so much; my friend touched many lives in a positive manner. The clients at the Woodview Manor looked to her as more than a staff member; she was a member of their extended family, a person who helped them to raise the standards of their lives. As such, she will be missed by them (and by her friends and colleagues) dearly. A great light in so many lives is diminishing, and will leave a void that can never be filled in the same manner. Her easy laugh, and gentle manner will be sadly missed.

Peace be upon you, Nancy.

"Nothing really matters in the end, you know

All the worries sever

Don't be afraid for me my friend, on day we all fall down forever"

-Patty Griffin