Some personal news: my dad died earlier this year. He was sick for a long time so in some ways the process happened in slow motion. I am still rummaging through how it all feels. Death does force you to reevaluate. Do we appreciate what we have in this moment? Are we making the most of our gifts? The fact is, there isn't all the time in the world to do all that we dream of. Do it now. Commit now.
My dad was so lucky to have my mom. She nursed him and cared for him for seven long years.
I guess one take away is this: Relationships matter--the last word my father could say was my mother's name.
And even when his speech was slipping away, he could identify a Vermeer from across the room, by its title. The connection to beauty, and to art, was a solace to him even at the end.