If you were going to die tomorrow, what would you do today? Would you like to spend time on getting more money, building up your business, climbing up the career ladder? Would you like to spend time with family or your loved one? For example, a father told me that he would like to spend more time with his son hugging him or playing with him. Life is so precious, treasure every moment with your loved one.
I am a social worker working with children suffering from chronic or potentially life-threatening illnesses. I would like to share my experience with my two clients. They were 17 year-old twin sisters, Mary and Helen, who were suffering from Thalassaemia Major (a form of potentially life-threatening illness). They were at the terminal stage of the illness.
I successfully referred the elder sister, Mary, to Make a Wish Foundation (International) to fulfill her wish to go to Australia with her family members. They were jubilant. Mary enjoyed every moment with her family members. When Mary returned from Australia, I asked her,” Do you have any other wish to fulfill?” She smiled and replied,” I am satisfied. I want to prepare gifts for my grandma and parents. I want to tell them I love them. However, I dare not speak to them.” With my encouragement and support, she developed the courage to tell her grandma that she loved her and wrote a letter to her daddy to express her love and appreciation of him. A few months later, the elder sister passed away peacefully.
The younger sister, Helen, was a quiet and withdrawn girl. She was upset and could not say a word when Mary, her elder sister passed away. I gave grief counseling to help her cope with loss. Helen recovered from her loss and wrote a journal to remember Mary.
However, 6 months later, Helen's medical condition was worsening. She lost weight and suffered from heart failure. I asked her,” How are you?” She replied,” I'm fine. I live day by day. Each day is a bonus or gift for me.” She gave me her drawing. (See the picture) She said,” The dolphin represents joy, freedom and fulfillment in my life. We have to treasure everything and the people who are closest to us.” I just want to spend time with my grandma and parents.” She treasured minute with her loved ones. Two weeks later, she left the world.
The impact of the twin sisters on me was tremendous. Before the death of the twin sisters, I focused on my work. I neglected my family. After their deaths, I slowed down, stopped and paused. I pondered and wondered about life. I wanted to live my life fully and meaningfully without any regrets. I decided to refocus on my family, and to rebuild my family bond.
I changed. I started to have a weekly gathering with my spouse to further enrich our relationship. As far as I could, I take my children out cycling, playing games and reading books together. I enjoy every moment with my family. One day, my three- year- old son smiled sweetly and told me” Ma, ma, I like to play with you. It is fun.” I seize every moment to spend quality time with my family. I am injected with the power of love in my life. I become more understanding, considerate and encouraging to my family and the people around me. I rejoice, celebrate and honor life.
I was deeply touched by the experience of twin sisters, Mary and Helen. I hope to share their experience with you so it will make a difference in your life. It was an awakening call for me to refocus on my family and strengthen the relationship I have with my family. I urge you to spend your time wisely and meaningfully with someone you love before it is too late, because life is so vulnerable and unpredictable. No matter how long or short our lives are, it is important to live life meaningfully, fully and truthfully without any regrets. Live our life to the fullest and treasure every moment with everyone.
Disclaimers: The author shares this article based on her personal and work experience and disclaims any responsibility for any liability, losses or damages and /or application of any of contents of this article.
