Wednesday, October 05, 2011

If death were nearby, what would you do?

"Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything--all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure--these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important." - Steve Jobs

Today Steve Jobs died, months ago Jack Layton as well. Both strong leaders and innovators over the years, both died of cancer.
Since I had many deaths at an early age in my family, I always have the quick thought of.. what would I do if? (I usually exclude the grief/mourning process of my life)

I'd call my friends and tell them I love them.
I'd call my family and tell them I love them.
I'd spend crazy amounts of time with my cats and make sure my parents were ok with their new kitties.
I'd probably write lots of letters to people who impacted me. Whether I'd have known them for a long or short time. This reminds me of when I took the course 'Death and Concepts of the Future'. We had to write our own will, plan our funeral, and write our obituary. I had my own playlist (I'm not sure if I was a DJ at the time) and although listed many thanks to my friends, also wrote hilarious notes of thanks to guys I liked.
I'd eat lots of ice cream and milkshakes.
Lots of ukrainian food. And Kelekises. And Jeanne's.
I'd rent a cabin, maybe just for me, maybe I'd try to recreate the past memories of my family.
I'd probably drive/fly to tour dates of my favourite band friends. But I'm sure I'd also want to take photos of said moments.
I'd want to go to Greece and be there with Professor Cosmopoulos.
I'd probably think a lot about the people I was going to see in heaven (other than Jesus of course).
I'd be happy I'd be going to heaven and tell everyone, and I mean everyone, that they need to be there too. Even if they weren't 100% sure about the whole Jesus thing, I'd say.. I'd rather see you with me in heaven. God would too.

 I'd feel overwhelmed.
Actually, now that I think of it, I probably wouldn't want to tell people, but then again people would want to know. Although you yourself would have to deal with lots of people (I hope?) wanting to say goodbye and cry.
How do you grieve while you are living, let alone dying.

Who would you talk to? What would you say? What would you want to do one last time?

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