Prognosis: Three Years to Live
Question
70 year old fit Jewish divorced woman has had 2 heart attacks within a year. Lights candles, partakes in some study and observes all holidays. One son single 27 mature physics phd student who is now taking a more active role in mother’s life, a good relationship. Woman no longer candidate for stents and bypass. Told 3 years to live. What questions do I ask myself to make each day count more?
Answers
First, please accept my blessing that Hashem – the Ultimate Healer – grant you a Refuah Shelaymah, a complete and speedy recovery.
Your question made me think long and hard about myself. Really your question is one that every person should be asking themselves and should be conscious of at all times. There are many possible ways to make each day count more, but if I were trying to give advice to myself, I would tell myself that the most effective way of making each day count is through my interactions with those around me. Was I thoughtful enough? Did I listen properly to what they were saying? Did I brighten someone’s day by complimenting them sincerely? Was I sensitive enough to the feelings of others?
There are so many different ways that a person can enhance another’s quality of life, and, by doing so, bring true joy to Hashem. Interestingly enough, the Rabbis teach us that it is through our interpersonal relationships that we can strengthen our connection to Hashem.
May you be blessed with many, many years of good health.
Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team