As I read the entertainment news tonight to help try and clear my mind to sleep after a long and restless day, I stumble upon the article about Brittany Maynard. I have been reading her stories along her journey for the last 6 months or so. She is the brave woman who took her life (and death) into her own hands. Terminally ill and wanting to die with dignity instead of the horrific way many cancers can take you out, she made the choice to end her own life with her loved ones surrounded by her. At only 29 years old, she is so young yet has made such a brave decision.
Having to watch my grandfather, who is 90 years old battle cancer, he expressed at the beginning of his diagnoses that he wanted the same for himself. He has traveled the world, fought in war, educated our future generations, and lived a life he feels accomplishes himself fully. Unfortunately CA does not have the Death with Dignity law so this is not an option for him. Although I know I want every last second I can with him, I also know that I would have given him this option in a second to not see him in pain.
Which reminds me every day to value the seconds you have with everyone you have in your life. Make the moments count. If for a moment, they pass through your life, they will leave a footprint.