Choose Love, Reject Fear

I am not afraid of death, but I have no interest in prolonging my life. I have had the link saved forever for Stanford’s ‘What matters Most Letter.’ I will not procrastinate any longer, but complete it this weekend. Two excellent books I read about dying on your own terms were ‘When Breath Becomes Air’ and ‘In Love’. My dad had all his affairs in order and did not want his life medically extended. His mom was in a convalescent hospital for years, not really recognizing anyone and definitely not able to live at home. When he went from the doctor’s office to the ER, the attending physician recommended palliative care. He was able to return to his bedroom in a wonderful assisted living house on hospice care. Neptune Society picked up his body for cremation and my sister and I only had to grieve his passing. My mother’s health is failing and my prayer that I regularly chant to my sister is please don’t let me turn into an angry old woman who is afraid of everything. I want to say yes to travel and new experiences and be kind and loving. Right now my health and balance are stable so I’d best go for it. My husband is slowing down, too, so we will need to upgrade to better seats and allow more time to get from TSA to the gate. Places still on my bucket list include Antarctica and Iceland. I’d love to experience another total eclipse of the sun before my atoms are recycled into the universe.

— KathyV