From time to time I’ll hear the question asked, “If you knew that this were your last day on earth, how would you live it”. Of course that is not the most pleasant thought, so whenever I hear such insightful questions, I generally choose not to meditate on it one way or the other.
Just today, a 21 year old named Nodar Kumaritashvili died after losing control of his sled while training for the Winter Olympics. Clearly when he woke up this morning—so young and full of life, death was the furthest thing from his mind. Yet, he has passed into eternity at the shock and horror of his loved ones.
I believe that Nodar lived his last day exactly the way he would have spent it had he known that he’d never see another day. I believe that he would have chosen to spend his final hours smiling, socializing, joking, laughing and in total joy.
Hearing about Nodar’s passing just reminded me that it’s so important to be thankful for what we have. Our homes, our families, our friends. I’m reminded that it’s always great to hold my tongue when upset—because there is no way of knowing if I’ll ever see the person whom I’m angry at again. And in the long run, that person and the overall essence of who that person is, is far more important than anything he or she could ever do to anger me or annoy me.
Peace and comfort to Nodar’s family and loved ones. May he rest in peace.
Nodar Kumaritashvili, 21, lost control of his sled and then flew over the side of the track before crashing head-first into a metal pole.
Kumaritashvili received CPR by medics who were quickly on the scene at the Whistler Sliding Centre and was airlifted to a local hospital. Source
Photo credit: A. Guandalini