A story was told to me about a woman who lived with her daughter. One day she decided she would begin calling old friends and make arrangements to meet them for coffee or lunch. Two or three days each week she would call or see old friends. This went on for over three weeks. One morning she woke in a cheerful mood and announced she felt like dressing up that day. She dressed up and again headed off to the bus to meet someone who was expecting her. She had a heart attack and died on the bus.  She had a sense about the time she had left and how she wanted to use it. She did what she set out to do each day, and passed with a sense of completion.

Another person shared with me that when her father was told he had about three weeks to live, the family arranged for visits. One day they invited neighbors to come visit the father. Another day the men from his Lion’s club were asked to stop by. His church community and long time friends were all scheduled to make visits on days that allowed many who knew each other to visit at similar times so he was not overly fatigued. When several of his visitors knew each other the combined recollections were especially enjoyable. Much satisfaction was experienced by their father by so many people coming to honor his life. Equally important was the gratitude each friend had in being able to say their good-byes.

Someone who is able to spend time on the computer can remain in touch with their friends at a distance, allowing final communication to take place themselves, or by close family members. People who have shared our lives are like the stories that have marked our milestones. They are historical evidence bearing witness to our existence. The faces, the stories, the laughter, hugs and tears reveal a life well lived, and a life well loved.

The introduction to Please Dance at My Funeral: A Celebration of Life explains that the title of the book was the first verbal declaration made to my children for what I wish for my end-of life experience. “It should be a celebration! I want there to be a toast to my life, then I want everyone to get up and dance their hearts out to the Linus and Lucy song. I want you to dance at my funeral!”

Give yourself permission to live each day in a way that makes you happy, and in a way in which you feel empowered about your life. Don’t wait to tell others how much they mean to you, do it today. Acknowledge your gratitude for the people, experiences and wonders of your life. Celebrate who you are, and all the treasures you have found in fully living each day.