When death knocks!

I think, kids don't fear death like we do.

I remember when i was a kid, i used to do all sorts of really risky things. I mean really risky. 

I had fully understood what it is 'to die' meant i was probably around 10. But i would nevertheless try a lot of things. It gives me shivers now!

But as i grew up something happened. I fear the 'What if?' factor, i think. I even tend to avoid the topic as much as i can. If you are anything like me, read on...

Somehow this Oprah Winfrey show about a father, victim of spleen cancer, with 3 beautiful sons just seemed different. 

This man who was about to die in 6 months had a message to give to this world. In a crux it was 'Don't sweat about small stuff and it is all small stuff'. 

He had made his life's responsibility to get the message across to as many people as possible. He has gained popularity because of his dedication and thoughtfulness in such a crucial moment. It was really touching. He could go and wallow in self-pity instead he chose to tell people something important. He looked young, intelligent, very bright and healthy! yet he was going to die. And nobody could do anything because of its advanced stage. I felt helpless. Like me, the audience and Oprah herself were in tears with her suggesting that miracles could happen if God wills it and suddenly Oprah asked, 

"How do your friends feel about this?"

And he said

My best friend says "You know you've become so famous because you are going to die that if by chance you lived it might actually be a little embarrassing" and smiled at everyone. 

That instant almost all of them came out of the sinking feeling and actually laughed. He just taught us a lesson there. He could joke about his own death looming over him. How many can do that? I can't. The very thought gives me jitters. But he looked like like a man who had conquered death in his own simple way. He had accepted it completely.

And as one of my friends put it very wisely, he must have lived his whole life that way, 

strong willed yet humble and knowing the knack to flow with life where ever it takes us. I learnt something that day. Yes i did.

PS: My daughter saw snow for the very first time yesterday and boy was she thrilled! No camera here, just memories. Safely stored ;)