This comment of the day is by Frank Mundo on the post “What If You Had No Tomorrow?“
Just about one year ago, I was diagnosed with PD (Parkinson’s Disease). Not only was dying earlier than I expected suddenly a reality, but also the likelyhood that I would die in a very compromised and dependent way virtually assured. Suddenly the awful thought presented itself that I was not only cheated of years with the people I love, but the likelihood that their memories of me might well be tarnished by dementia, dissapation of financial security in supporting me, diminshed emotional interaction and my being a huge burden. So beyond the fears of being physically incapacitated there is the also the personal fear of pain, suffering and confusion at the end. Worse yet the thought that, should I screw up the courage to push the “off” button, I might not be able to or, worse yet be thought less of for simply trying to do something to ease the pain I cause other people. Somehow, out of all this, I’ve managed to chase much of this into a dark corner of my life, and have grown gradually appreciative of all the small things in life, the cherished moments, the signs of love and caring that are out there. Everything is gradually becoming more intense, more beautiful, there is more to be held close. So as my physical symptoms spread I have this sense of attachment to the here and now that is the sun rising. All quite strange—and wonderful.
Photo: Evan Blaser / flickr