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MKZC
P.O. Box 270494
Dallas TX 75227-0494
Tel: 214-388-1122
zenhelp@mkzc.org

 

Death-A Best Friend?
by Jean Blucher

 

"You have a limited time to live ," the physician tells the patient, and the patient's world shakes 9 on the Richter Scale. Then, ideally, after the predictable reactions, and the emotional roller coaster ride, if they are lucky they get it, and truly understand that their time is short-that death is sitting on their shoulder, grinning.

And once that stage is met they make efforts toward forgiving and being forgiven for past wounds. They spend time with loved ones actually listening and caring. They show concern for others, and common courtesy becomes important again.

They-once again-relish the taste of an orange, the view of a sunset, and how the wind feels on their face. When they wake each morning they know, "This day could be my last," and they may wonder, "What positive actions can I take today that cause the least harm? They may reflect, 'If I die today how will I be remembered.?'"

In other words, their knowledge of imminent death becomes their best friend. It helps them to realign priorities, and to actually appreciate and live each moment of each day fully and freely. "Well," you may say, "of course this makes sense. After all, terminal patients do have limited time, and the time they have left is all the more precious."

Ah, but.... Here's the kicker-in case you forgot, or never really noticed. You , too, have a limited time to live. Can you make Death your best friend?