When Time Is Finite In The Most Uncomfortable Way...

  First off, I have to make a confession, I am a fan of Grey's Anatomy. When it first came on, I watched a couple episodes and couldn't get into it.  However, when my wife and I were visiting Germany for her son's wedding, it was the only thing to watch in English while we were in our flat.  Lesley would have been fine watching anything since she is fluent in German, but I was not.  Anyway, after a few episodes of GA, I became a regular viewer.  The only catch is, I am about five seasons behind and trying to catch up via Netflix.  But, as usual, I am getting sidetracked here.  On an episode I watched, Meredith (main character and intern) woke up one morning thinking she was going to die and wanted to stay in bed to avoid such an event.  It made me think (oh-oh), what would it be like if I knew I only had one day, or one week, or one year, or whatever, to live?  I have seen movies on the subject.  Many of us have even known people who are terminal.  But, ultimately, if such a fate should befall us, it is our own personal choice how we handle it.  In my case, my reaction would depend on how much time we are talking.  If I had only a day, I think I would go into a mental meltdown.  It would be too much for my little mind to process.  But if I had, say, a year, then I think I could come to some reckoning.  I say that, but in reality, who knows what I or anyone would do.

  In most cases, I think, our demise usually comes relatively unexpected.  Of course an accident is always unexpected, but not so much if it is a long term and fatal illness or simply the end of our longevity.  In that situation, we might have a rough idea that the end draws near, but not always for sure.  Often times we just go to sleep and not wake up.

Artist:  Hyatt Moore

  I know this hasn't been a particularly happy subject I chose today.  But I think my message is a familiar one,

we should live our lives to the fullest as if it was our last day or last week above the green grass.

Don't fear your mortality, because it is this very mortality that gives meaning and depth and poignancy to all the days that will be granted to you. - Paul Tsongas