Almost three years ago, a friend's husband (who was one of those spouses of my friends who instantly became someone I considered my friend as well) was diagnosed with cancer.
As a family, they chose not to ask for a prognosis. Instead, they would just live their life together as if they were going to both live forever and die tomorrow (because really, do any of us know?).
Unfortunately, this father of two young boys died last Saturday, the day before Father's Day.
On Friday morning, I attended his funeral, where someone read this quote, from Shawnee Indian war chief Tecumseh...
So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart.
Trouble no one about their religion; respect others in their view, and
demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life,
beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long and its purpose in the service of your people. Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide.
Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a
friend, even a stranger, when in a lonely place. Show respect to all
people and grovel to none.
When you arise in the morning give thanks for the food and for the joy
of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only
in yourself. Abuse no one and no thing, for abuse turns the wise ones
to fools and robs the spirit of its vision.
When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts are
filled with the fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep
and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way.
Sing your death song and die like a hero going home.
Chief Tecumseh (Poem from Act of Valor)
