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Life is Ours to Live Freely!

Death is an inescapable fate. When it's time for us to go the only thing we leave behind is the way in which we chose to lead the days of our existence, recognized in the mind's of those who loved us.

The story I'm going to deliver was told to me by the mother of a great friend of mine, named Peter, who passed away a year and a half ago at the age of 21.

Peter was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis when he was 16 years old, and was told that his life expectancy was far shorter then an average 16 year old's, and that he would not live much beyond his twenties.

"When he was 16 he learned that his CF had taken a turn that was quite serious. One of the hospital's child life specialists, who had become very close to Peter over his many hospital admissions, helped him think things through by constructing a massive chart in his hospital room where, on one side they wrote all the negative thoughts and predictions associated with the new diagnosis, and on the other side, all the positive points of view he could take.

Peter realized then he could take an active role by CHOOSING the attitude he adopted. This had a profound effect on him. After this, I think Peter did strive very hard to take a positive point of view. His priorities became very clear. Family and friends were the most important part of his life, but he also had a keen sense of justice and a desire for a better life for everyone.

Having fun and not taking himself too seriously, was a hallmark of his personality."

On a personal level, his way of life is one that I look to exemplify and live up to on a daily basis.

As a result of his death, I examined his life more closely and applied some powerful lessons to my own life by recognizing the importance of choice; as what we think about, and how we choose to act ultimately determines our life here on earth.

Death may be inescapable, but life is ours to live freely and positively if we but recognize our individual power of choice.

Submitted by Richard A.