“When Breath Becomes air”

Good morning and happy Tuesday! Hope your week is going well. I have felt terrible the last two days, not sure why. I start meeting with different Dr.s today. I have 4 different ones to meet with over the next week. Thursday I get the 12 staples out of my head which will be nice. Going to start the discussions around chemotherapy or radiation treatments and that will be interesting to see where we land on that process. Just a couple of quick thoughts this morning.

I just re-read this book When Breath Becomes air, by Paul Kalanithi. I have no memory of why I stumbled on this book initially, almost two years ago. I remember reading this and was so touched in many ways. Now what is a little odd is, I specifically remember reading this book and having a moment working out, as I thought about Paul’s story and having some sense that I was also going to live out his story. I don’t really like to acknowledge that but it is absolutely true. It appears today that I in fact will live out this story.

Paul who was a neurosurgeon, seemed to really grow and work through a process of walking though death with people. My work over the last 30+ years has been the incredible gift of walking with people through often painful, disappointing areas of this life and at times actual death. There is absolutely an emotional cost involved when walking with people through lives hardships but there are also incredible rewards. I really want to finish my life in a way that will bless others, that will encourage and give people a little hope when we each experience the realities and challenges of this life. I would encourage you to pick up a copy of Paul’s book and read.

Need to stop for now and rest a few minutes before my Dr appointment. Remember your life matters, you are of great value and worthy of being loved.

Peace,