Saturday, December 1, 2012

The Advantage of Dying Young


Michael Soft stopped by to visit after supper last evening. He was wearing a long face and launched right into what was bothering him.

An old friend, Tim, who is Michael’s junior by several years, is in the hospital with stage four cancer. Tim lives alone and has no health insurance. He hasn't seen a doctor for many years. A friend who stopped by to see Tim three weeks ago found him sitting helpless, unable to walk or care for himself. The friend took Tim to the hospital, where he has been ever since, receiving radiation treatments.

“People who live alone at the end of life...” Michael began, but couldn’t finish the sentence.

Then, in an abrupt change of mood, Michael quipped, “If you die young lots of people will come to your funeral but you won’t have to go to theirs.” With that, Michael took his leave.

The great thing about a visit from Michael is that no matter how dire the topic of conversation he always makes me laugh. Laughter is our saving grace.

Copyright 2012 by Shirley Domer

1 comment:

Jayhawk Fan said...

Michael needs to be reminded that he will not be alone and has several offers from "the girls" to be with them!