This Isn’t It
I am in a very unique situation and often think about and have to deal with the reality that I might die soon. I have terminal cancer, so naturally I am going to have to face that fact. If you are not familiar with my story, you can read it here. However, despite my ordeal, I have been able to maintain a very positive attitude about everything. I don’t know if it is just part of my nature, but there are some things I have concluded that have helped me be happier and handle my trial. I hope that as I explain some of my thought processes that it will help you in your trials.
As the title implies, one of the things that helps me deal with the possibility of death is the phrase, “this isn’t it,” meaning that this passing earthly life is not all we have to look forward too. There is more to our existence than life itself. After death, I have complete faith that I will be meeting my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and they will greet me with love and friendship. And that I will continue to exist and do things.
This idea that “this isn’t it” has recently helped me shape my whole life outlook. It has helped me realize that although I may lose my life to cancer, I do not lose everything I have done and experienced. I can still make an impact to many people’s lives and continue to make an impact after I die. My trial seems exceptionally difficult to many, but applying this outlook that “this isn’t it” has helped me in my trial and it can help you in yours. Death is not the end for me. Nor is your trial the end for you. “This isn’t it!” We can overcome and continue to move forward. Don’t give up, “this isn’t it.”
I am not the only one that has realized that this life is not as fleeting and final as it sometimes feels. This idea has been pondered by many thought leaders that have produced amazing books, movies, and musicals. Now, you need to realize that I am a huge nerd and love to read and watch Broadway shows. So, here are few quotes from some of my favorite franchises and songs that help reinforce the idea that “this isn’t it.”
The Lord of the Rings. The Return of the King.
Pippin – “I didn’t think it would end this way.”
Gandalf – “End? No, the journey doesn’t end here. Death is just another path, one that we must all take. The grey rain-curtain of this world rolls back, and all turns to silver glass, and then you see it.”
Pippin – “What? Gandalf? See what?”
Gandalf – “White shores, and beyond, a far green country under a swift sunrise.”
Pippin – “Well, that isn’t so bad.”
Gandalf – “No. No, it isn’t.”
Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back.
Yoda – “Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter.”
Les Miserables.
Fantine – “Come with me where chains will never bind you. All your grief, at last, at last behind you. Lord in Heaven look down on him in mercy.”
ValJean – “Forgive me all my trespasses and take me to your glory.”
Fantine -“Take my hand, Ill lead you to salvation. Take my love for love is everlasting.”
ValJean- “And remember the truth that once was spoken. To love another person is to see the face of god.”
Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone
Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore – “After all, to the well organized mind, death is but the next great adventure.”
The Princess Bride
Wesley – “Death cannot stop true love, all it can do is delay it for a while.”
This last quote really hit home with me. I, of course, have had The Princess Bride memorized as long as I can remember, but not until just recently have I thought to apply this quote to my life. I used to think that I have never had “True Love” before, but I realized there is no truer love than that of your family. My relationship with my family will extend beyond the grave. I will see them all again. This thought has strengthened me more than any other thought.
As I am writing this I have been listening to Broadway music to try and motivate me, and the song, Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again, just came on and I am crying on my couch knowing that if I die, my wish that I could be here again with my family will one day come true. This isn’t it, the end of our life on earth isn’t the end of our existence. “Death is but the next great adventure.”
Thank you for reading this blog post, I hope it at least gave someone strength and maybe helped you push through another day. I want you all to know that I am extremely grateful for all of your support whether you were with me from the very beginning of this mess, or just recently heard about me because of this wonderful opportunity I have with the AJU Foundation. I love you all, and you have helped me so much in my life. Please like my foundation on Facebook to to get updates on what my foundation is up to and to be notified of my blog posts.
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