Many years ago, maybe fifteen, one of my best friends wrote me a letter and outlined many, many health issues she had been dealing with. I think the bottom line, at least in my memory, was that she could "die at any time". I guess as long as I remember she has had many serious health issues. Well, those health issues have continued, some enough to make your teeth curl.
I really don't know what I would do if I were in her shoes. A couple weeks ago though, we talked and she said, "you know, I think instead of giving up the ghost and acting like I'm dying, I think I'll work on my 'bucket list' and live as fully as I can, even if it means pushing the envelope a little bit!".
As of a phone call yesterday she has her plane ticket for a return trip after driving back from Ohio with me after Easter, we have plans for the days she is here and no "what if's" are going to derail us. We both know we have options no matter what.
I don't know if this attitude is bullheadedness, complete folly or a deep sense of the divine guiding her along the way. Both of us would like to think it is a deep faith that no matter what may happen that God will lift her up, support her and continue guiding her. No, she realizes bad things may continue to strike but that she will continue to have others plus inner strength to deal with whatever may come her way...sort of like Simon helping Jesus carry his cross along the way. How are each of us living...like we're ready to die or as fully as we can?
Molly LaFond is a spiritual director with offices in Two Rivers and Crivitz, WI. For more information, please refer to: mollylafond.com
