A few days ago my husband got an e-mail from a friend regarding an acquaintance of theirs. This person was a healthy 36 year old former college and pro basketball player who was also a newlywed of 6 months. About three weeks ago he wentto the hospital for an elective, outpatient surgery…just something simple, or so he thought. A few days later a fever ensued and he was admitted into the hospital. For the past three weeks he fought a massive infection overtaking his healthy body and a few days ago, he passed away. He fought for his life with his new bride at his side and three days before he passed, the physicians told him there was nothing left to do. What made this story more incredible was that he was given just an unknown number of days to live after the doctors stopped treatment. He and his wife decided to make phone calls to family and friends; the people he wanted to say good bye to. It was gutwrenching and as his wife put it in the e-mail update we received, ‘he was able to speak to those he was closest to and when I finally let go of his hand he was able to cross the gates to Heaven’.
Most of us are not given our ‘death date’ or even an estimate of when our last day of life may be. After so many bouts with cancer, it’s on my mind and may be sooner than later, but I don’t even truly know for sure. This man was given the chance to say good-bye, to make peace with people, to ask forgiveness from some, or whatever he needed to speak to them about, he got the chance. We don’t know when our time may be, why wait to tell people how much we love them? Why wait for the ‘right moment’ to say you care or how much people mean to you? Why harbor resentment which gnaws at you…why not forgive today and free yourself from the burden of bitterness? Most of us will not be given a few days at the end to make phone calls and say good-bye. What are you waiting for? Say what you need to say (great song)…
Today I wear Bobbi Brown Rich Color Gloss in Angel Pink, a beautiful soft pink which can be worn alone. I also dedicate this to the new saint who was brought up to heaven this week!
Anna's Lipstick Journey 
What a gut wrenching, life affirming post. I’m so sorry for his loved ones, yet so proud of their actions. I’m from a touchy feely family, we argue, we differ, we’re vocal with our love. I wouldn’t want it any other way. I adore my family and I make sure they know it.
Thanks Kelly, my husband was really shaken because he knew him and he stilled seemed like an athlete in his prime. Life is truly unpredictable.
Thank you for this inspiring and encouraging story. You are so right…I am cherishing today!
Thanks Linda,
Yes, we should all cherish each day!
i’m praying for the wife. what a terribly difficult task to say goodbye. what a beautiful lipstick dedication!
Yes, it was difficult to hear the twists and turns of this couple. He had three days to say his good-byes, I can’t imagine.
You stood me still with this one.. I think I mentioned this before but going through cancer with my father I learned to appreciate the moment. It is true life is about the journey and not the destination. It’s what we are doing today that counts.
Thanks Brenda! Cancer is definitely a learning experience for everyone involved!
Hey stop by my blog and pick up your award….
http://jo-mywanderingmind.blogspot.com
Jo, Thank you so much for my first award! It only took me an hour to figure out how to put the image into my blog (not that computer savvy). Now I need to read the rest of the instructions!