Well, we're another day closer to death. To those who feel this topic is too morbid, I will argue that only in the context of death does life become sacred. The widespread disregard for the sanctity of life is demonstrated by our species' murderous ways. But I'm getting ahead of myself.
To be diagnosed with a terminal disease brings the subject of death front and center. Intellectually we know that we are going to die (back when I was studying psychology, the ability to anticipate one's death was considered uniquely human), but a terminal diagnosis actually reduces the uncertainty of knowing when and how. I have found the benefit of this circumstance to be a greatly heightened appreciation for the gift of life. Gradually, I have come to the realization that not just every day is precious, but that each moment is sacred.
Great minds throughout the ages have posited the question--one way or another--if you knew that you were going to die tomorrow, what would you do today? To honestly answer such a question, though, requires that we have at least an opinion about what death is. What do we know about death? Other than that it is the certainty which awaits every one of us, absolutely nothing! I've devoted a good portion of my life to the study of theology, and I can assure you that no one alive knows what death is.
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