I went to the doctor today. It’s been a while. I don’t like doctors or dentists or barbers or mechanics either. To get right to the cold, hard truth of the matter, I am writing with some very bad news. I am dying.
The blood tests haven’t come back yet, but I guess I knew. I knew it when I looked into my doctors eyes. In fact, while not exactly a hypochondriac, I guess I knew it all along.
The prognosis was a little fuzzy. It might be today, it might be awhile from now. He was certain.
I am struck now with what to do. Do I quit my job and live large for my remaining days? Do I spend my time in the chapel hoping to improve my odds? Maybe it’s time to make amends with all those I’ve harmed.
I will probably plod along as I have for my first forty-three years. I suppose I’ll take time to smell the roses, enjoy the sunsets, hug my loved ones. I guess I don’t expect a dramatic change in lifestyle.
I’m told I am improve my condition by eating better, sleeping more, not letting the small things bother me. I guess that would have been the same advice if I wasn’t dying but now that I know, I guess I’ll re-examine my lifestyle and potentially prolong the quantity and quality of life.
Don’t get all upset. I am just one person. People die every day. Life will go own well with or without me. I’ll keep my head up and try to appreciate the days I have available and I would implore you to do the same even though I’ve burdened you with my awful situation.
What would you do if you where given a lethal diagnosis? What would you do if you were at the doctor this morning and he told you that you would probably die in around 35 or so years from now?
Tags: death, dying, living life
