Present Moment: October 13 - 19

This week marks the 7th anniversary of my dad's death. Mac, my dad, died after an 8th month bout with lung cancer. His last months were not easy as his body grew weaker and his breathing became more difficult. Yet my dad grew each day in grace and gratitude. For example, the time came when my dad couldn't golf anymore. He would be disappointed for a little while but soon enough he was thanking the doctors and nurses for the care he received, my mom for the constant support she gave, and many people who continued to visit. My dad loved when friends, neighbors, and family dropped in. He cherished these moments, telling people how much he loved them. Along the way, he let go of old hurts and sought forgiveness. While his body diminished, his spirit grew brighter.

Just a couple days before he died, my sister's pastor visited my dad. Confined to a hospital bed at this point, my dad was a storyteller right to the end. After recounting his whole life, the pastor asked my dad what was the best moment of his life. My dad replied, "Right now. I'm surrounded by the people I love, and I know where I'm going." He died peacefully at home precisely at sunrise, surrounded by his family. Light filled the room.

Practice

It is not necessary to have a terminal illness to learn to live in the present moment. My dad proved that fully living in the here and now is the best preparation of all.

Here's a meditation on the final day by Joe Primo from Grateful Living:

https://grateful.org/resource/life-beyond-perfection/