A friend of mine has terminal cancer with perhaps less than six months to live. He is so at peace and ready even now! He welcomed the news of having some months to be with his family and say to each one what is in his heart and to prepare them for their futures, including their deaths, by detailing how he in his own life did his best to live according to the Gospel and the Church.
Here on the Pine Ridge Reservation, such a luxury of time is granted to few for most die untimely in alcohol-related accidents, heart failure, or at times, freezing to death in a ditch after passing out from over-indulgence in drink. Some do have more time, as slowly diabetes or cirrohsis eats away at them, but often denial prevents them from accepting the impending death and thus no words or wisdom are passed on...perhaps the lessons were never even learned. So sad. I wish my friend were able to be here and speak to folks about his approach to life and death. It struck me that I can do my best to pass on that needed advice. Can't we all take this as a mandate and help those around us improve their lives and thus prepare for a happy death? As we live, so shall we die.
Bro. Rene
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