fulfilling life that aligns with your spirit
What Would You Do If You Knew You Only Had Six Months to Live?
Published on 11 Apr 2008 at 8:07 am.
18 Comments.
Filed under Feature Articles,Spirituality & Inspiration,Videos.
On Wednesday night, April 9, Diane Sawyer aired an interview with Randy Pausch on Dateline NBC. He’s a 47-year old Carnegie Mellon Professor who found out in September 2006 that he had pancreatic cancer and was given 6 months to live.
The father of three young children, he is described as a charismatic professor of computer science who inspired his students in ways that brought out their best. He was the kind of teacher I wished I had growing up.
As he spoke with Diane Sawyer during interviews over several months, it was evident that he and his wife had made peace about his impending death. (He is still exploring treatment. Learn more)
While they had their times of sadness, he did not see himself as a victim. Instead, he wanted to spend each day with his family creating memories rather than wallowing in self-pity. His story is both uplifting and profoundly sad.
What would you do if you knew you only had six months to live?
How would you live?
Who would you be?
His story has inspired people all over the world.
The fact is none of us know how long we will be here on this earth. We don’t know for sure we will wake up tomorrow. I have often heard the phrase, “Live each day as if it were the last.” I still get caught up in the details and dramas of life and can forget what is truly important to me like the people and things I value most.
I was reminded recently from a blogging friend of a phrase (the exact author is unknown) – We are not human beings having a spiritual experience; we are spiritual beings having a human experience.
If I had been given the news that I had a terminal disease, I don’t know how I would react. Would I try everything I could think of to save my life? Would I surrender, make peace with my death, and prepare for my transition….? I have thought about this question from time to time.
 At the end of my life I want to look back and say, Well done.
Each day is a new opportunity to create the next experience and memory. When my time comes, I want to leave with courage and dignity as I saw in Randy Pausch.
On Sept. 18, 2007, he gave his last lecture at the University before a packed auditorium and several more in the following months to thousands of people who were inspired by his words.
Read his book, The Last Lecture
The video below has been seen my over 10 million people. It runs one hour and 16 minutes. Watch it all the way through if you can. It’s worth it.
One of his messages of life is three words: Tell the truth. He added – All the time.
Look for something good in each experience no matter what is happening. Celebrate all you have. Let the people in your life know you love them. Look for opportunities to touch someone’s life!
Blessings,
Lorraine
www.powerfull-living.biz
Lola Fayemi / Nourishment for your spiritual awakening on 11 Apr 2008 at 11:39 am: 1
Hi Lorraine
We can never be reminded enough that we are spiritual beings having a human experience.
In love, light and abundance x x x
AnneMarie Callan on 11 Apr 2008 at 3:00 pm: 2
I love that …
“We are not human beings having a spiritual experience; we are spiritual beings having a human experience.”
What a lovely way to look at life.
I have just written that down …
Many thanks for a beautiful blog.
Love
AnneMarie
lorraine on 11 Apr 2008 at 3:56 pm: 3
Thanks for stopping by AnneMarie
Enjoy the quote – I love it too.
Cheers,
Lorraine
lorraine on 11 Apr 2008 at 3:57 pm: 4
Amen Lola
Blessings,
Lorraine
Mark McCullagh on 11 Apr 2008 at 6:51 pm: 5
That’s such a difficult question for most of us.
I really admire Randy’s approach. I haven’t watched the whole lecture yet, but I will.
It is very true that we are spiritual beings. Too many of us always put off our happiness, placing it on some material objects that we hope to acquire that will finally bring us “peace”.
Christ taught us to live our lives to spiritual fulfillment each day because you never know when he will come knocking.
So here’s another, related, question: “What would you do if you knew you could NOT fail?”
SaiF on 12 Apr 2008 at 1:55 am: 6
Hey Lorraine!
Thanks for this post! =)
I was just wondering though.. Why does he seem subscribed to the tumor staying there?
I’m saying this not to be respectful but I’m currently reading Dr Joseph Murphy’s “Power of Your Subconscious Mind” and he talked about stories where “Miracle Healings” happen.
I’m sure you’ve heard of such stories.
What’s your take on that Lorraine?
To CANI,
SaiF
The World’s First Teen
Personal Development Video Blogger
Goal Setting College on 12 Apr 2008 at 2:45 am: 7
Lorraine, having been living with a terminally ill relative, although I don’t experience what Randy’s going through, I can attest that what’s he has decided (and am doing) is not easy. In fact, it’s VERY difficult.
It really take someone of a really passionate life purpose to do what Randy did! Thanks for the reminder and the wonderful inspiration!
Cheers,
Ellesse
lorraine on 12 Apr 2008 at 6:56 am: 8
Dear Saif
I also believe in miracles. A dear friend of mine has successfully eliminated an illness that she was told would kill her.
Randy Pauch claims to have done all he could to turn his illness around (he has multiple tumors. What that includes is not fully known.
I believe we all have the capacity to heal. Look at Louis Hay and Lance Armstrong. Not all people seems to have harnessed that miraculous healing power. Perhaps it is his time?
What are your thoughts?
Warmly,
Lorraine
lorraine on 12 Apr 2008 at 7:00 am: 9
Thanks Ellesse,
I’ve never lived with serious illness and I have no reference point. I can only imagine what that must be like as a witness or the one diagnosed.
From what I saw, I found him to be an extraordinary man. I believe he will continue to touch people while he is here and after he has gone.
Blessings,
Lorraine
Brennan Kingsland on 12 Apr 2008 at 7:08 am: 10
Dear Lorraine,
Both my husband and I have had to face this question in the past. The odd thing is that by choosing to live each day fully, with love and laughter, we both recovered from our near-death experiences and became stronger.
Each day we have together is precious and we don’t take life for granted anymore. And, neither of us have a fear of death anymore. We are enjoying however many minutes or years we have left by trying to make our world a better place.
Joy is not in the amount of time we are given, but in the realization and cherishing of each moment of that time.
Have a wonderful day!
lorraine on 12 Apr 2008 at 4:27 pm: 11
Dear Brennan
How inspiring. Your life sounds like it is filled with lots of joy!
It can be sad to think that it takes some kind of serious scare for us to realize how blessed we are.
You are so right about cherishing each moment and not sweating the small stuff.
Thank you for sharing!
Blessings,
Lorraine
Eric Roth on 15 Apr 2008 at 12:08 pm: 12
Great questions. I’ll have to reflect a bit on this one.
tim crump on 21 May 2008 at 9:36 am: 13
i also have been given my life expectencey,4 to 6 months,still dealing with anger now,i am only 49 an my heart is failing.i really dont know where to begin on spending the rest of my time,i am a chritian and i dont worry about death,its the ones i leave behind that hurts.i dont know if i should fulfill my dreams,some i can only do alone,should i ask my family to do these things or find a way for them to participate.just so much to do and not enough time
lorraine on 21 May 2008 at 2:46 pm: 14
I can only imagine how that feels Tim
I can appreciate the choices you’re facing right now in deciding how to spend your remaining time. Perhaps your choices include a combination of where you spend your time – what you value most, what feels the most pressing, what will bring you joy – the people in our lives want us to be happy in health and illness.
If I can be of help to you, let me know
Warmly,
Lorraine
tim crump on 21 May 2008 at 3:06 pm: 15
lorraine
your words are of great comfort,they offer no real soulution,but just the concern means so much,but then again the decisions are really mine after all.i guess my physical health will dictate most of what i will or will not do,i think the only fear i have is knowing that the actual death will be painful,i have had 2 mi(heart atacks)and believe me they hurt like nothing else
lorraine on 21 May 2008 at 3:34 pm: 16
Dear Tim,
So true the decisions and your health will dictate what you choose to do. What I wish for you is do what feels right and let go of any guilt (if possible) that might deter you from following your heart on something that might really be important for you in bringing closure to this chapter of your life.
Perhaps in your prayers (and you probably are already) is asking that when your time comes, that your passing would be peaceful like in your sleep. I’m a believer that we have a lot more power than we realize in creating our experiences. What if it were possible for you to have a say in your death experience? What if you really do?
Blessings,
Lorraine
Stephen Durand on 14 Jan 2012 at 2:46 am: 17
Hi Lorraine,
So many inspirational stories. I thank you for allowing them to be shared like this. I stumbled upon this site, not sure how really……but I too am struggling with this difficult deleama
I received a double lung transplant in Oct ’08, due to Chronic & Severe Sarcoidosis. (I like to point out that I never smoked……my lung disease was just the luck ofthe draw)…..and though I was blessed with 2 1/2 years of life with these gifted lungs, (& living with constants complications), I have just recently been told I am now in Chronic Rejection of my Transplanted Lungs. It is Irreversable, (and all too common with lung transplant as over 65% acquire this by year 5 and over 85% before year 10 post TX).
So, my wife and I, while saddened, were not shocked when told I now have only 6 to 12 months to live. I have 4 children…and will possibly have one grandchild on the way when I pass…..but my faith in Jesus Christ is so strong, I know this is not the end, but rather another beginning. I miss my family so much, but find my most difficult issue is being such a burden on them.
I pray everyday to find someway to contribute to their life…to make their future brighter and more loving.
I regret they have lived through my recurrent hospitalizations…as my lungs & other organs have failed, mainly due to the Sarcoidosis. For your readers benefit, Sarcoidosis is still a little know illness that generally affects about 5% of the population, but usually in such a benign way they don’t even notice it, in a small % they may need steroid treatment for a few years, but will go into spontaneous remission….but there are a very few of us who develop this Chronic form of Sarcoidosis that can effect every organ, but usually begins in the lungs and lymph system as mine did….turning the affected organ into Granulomas (sand like granulars that harden the organ like stone).
At any rate, I knew my only hope for any extended life was a lung transplant and thank God for this opportunity. Though it is a very strange feeling knowing you are deteriorating and will continue to suffocate until you simply cannot breath any longer.
My frustration lies in my desire and drive to still accomplish things each day, only to be pushed back in my chair when I find myself too weak or unable to breath. Still,I will drive to accomplish even something small each and every day in an effort to give meaning to an otherwise diminishing existence.
Like others I treasure every moment I can with family and friends, though I know too that they need time for themselves to deal with this. For just as this is an adjustment for me, it surely must be a great adjustment if not uncomfortable event in their life. I pray for patience and understanding for me, and for them! God knows we all need it at times like these.
All said, I guess we can only play the hand we are dealt and try to make the very best of it.
Best wishes to you and your wonderful readers and contributors.
Stephen Durand, Pawtucket, RI. 1-14-12
sdurand11456@gmail.com
lorraine on 14 Jan 2012 at 9:19 am: 18
Dear Stephen. I was so moved by your story that it brought tears to my eyes. I want to thank you for sharing it. What a beautiful loving soul you are. I hear how strong your faith is in your relationship with God and my wish for you in that in the time you have remaining, that your days are filled with love and Grace. I too believe that one ending is another beginning. Your body may be breaking down but the essence of who you are remains intact and is eternal. You may be more needed on the other side to be of greater service to your family and humanity as a whole. I will keep you in my prayers. Love and blessings, Lorraine