Life is fragile, precious, unpredictable"

“Life is fragile, precious, unpredictable”

an ANS Editorial, January 15, 2018

Holly Butcher Photo by Facebook

We are in the first weeks of a new year, which means a blank page wherein to write a new chapter in our lives. With the new year, one makes resolutions and looks at the calendar thinking about commitments to be made and forthcoming holidays to enjoy. Surely none of us would stop for a moment to think about the possibility of not reaching the end of the year.

“It’s a strange thing to realize and accept that you’re going to die at 26,” wrote Holly Butcher, a 27-year-old Australian girl who died of a tumor a few days ago, in a message to all those lucky enough to be alive. Once Holly learned of the severity of her illness and the short time she still had to live, she began to appreciate the small details of her life more and stopped worrying about the insignificant aspects of her life. She put aside ridiculous things like, “sleeping badly because your beautiful children kept you awake,” “having cellulite,” and so on.

“Use your money to live experiences,” “listen to music, really listen to it,” “hug your dog,” “talk to your friends,” “eat your cake without feeling guilty,” and “say ‘no’ to the things you really don’t want to do” – these are some of the suggestions of this young Australian woman.

To those dependent or hooked on social networks, remember that life is meant to be lived and not just to be shared on a screen. “Everything is SO insignificant when looking at life as a whole, in its entirety. I’m seeing my body losing itself right here in front of me, and I can’t do anything about it. All I want for now is to be able to have one more birthday or Christmas with my family, or just another day with my boyfriend and my dog. Just one more.”

“Give, give, give. It is true that one is happy doing things for others rather than for oneself. I wish I had done more. It’s strange to have money to spend at the end – when you’re dying. If you can share with those who are next to you, buy them a plant, a candle, a small gift, and tell them that you love them.

“Use your money for experiences.... Or at least do not miss out on experiences because you spent all your money on superfluous things.

“Try hard to make that day trip to the sea you’ve been postponing. Immerse your feet in the water and dig into the sand with your toes. Wet your face with salt water.

“Tell your loved ones that you love them whenever you have the opportunity, and love them with everything you have.

“Also, remember that if something is making you feel bad, you have the power to change it: at work or in love, or anything else. Have enough willpower to change. You do not know how much time you have on this earth, so do not waste it by living in distress or pain. I know that these are things that have always been said, but they couldn’t be more true.”

Holly concludes her reflection here, but we are all invited to cultivate a sense of gratitude to God for this great gift of life, so fragile, precious, and unpredictable.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/hollybutcher90/posts/10213711745460694