Comments on: Going Public: the Decision to be Open

By: mslater

mslater — Mon, 09 May 2016 04:34:16 +0000

Hi Shirley, your comments have been received! I got three of them (they don’t appear until I approve them), and I posted one to the blog.

By: shirley keller

shirley keller — Sun, 08 May 2016 02:39:16 +0000

Michael dear, so sorry to hear of your troubles! But somewhat relieved to read you’re making the most of each day . I’m a private person like you so found your experience to open up most interesting , All my love to you and Irene and children. Hope this reaches you because i’m computer ignorant,

By: Deb Clayton

Deb Clayton — Wed, 27 Apr 2016 16:44:00 +0000

Michael – Kip and I look back fondly on good times with you and Irene in California and Minnesota. We’re holding you both in our hearts…Could you send Irene’s cell # and e-mail address? We only have your home address. Thinking of you constantly now….Our love, Deb and Kip

By: mslater

mslater — Mon, 18 Apr 2016 21:16:20 +0000

This is, of course, an enormous question with many facets, and the answers will be different for everyone. But here’s one simple thought experiment that may get you part of the way there: imagine you’ve just been told you have 6 – 12 months to live. Think through how you would change your life in response. Now, take a look at what you are currently doing, and ask yourself why it is different from the changed life you imagined. Can you move more quickly toward that life, without the horrible burden of an actual cancer diagnosis?

I will be writing much more along these lines. Nothing is too personal. (Well, almost nothing.)

By: David Berlind

David Berlind — Mon, 18 Apr 2016 20:01:03 +0000

Michael, I responded on Facebook as you know. But I for one have a question so that we may all learn from you and I apologize in advance if you feel it is too personal. Knowing what you know now, and looking back, what would you have done differently? Or put another way, what should those of us who still have time to change do differently?

By: Joseph McIntyre

Joseph McIntyre — Mon, 18 Apr 2016 03:18:49 +0000

What an amazing post and blog!

I am struck how different the world looks when, as you say so clearly, “I don’t care about how other people perceive me because I don’t expect to ever again look for a job, pitch an investor, or sell anyone anything.” Shifting to legacy/contribution, and using your experience as a gift to others feels, perhaps oddly, life-affirming.

I know, for me, having read each and every post here, you are helping me come to grips with my own emotions about aging and dying. In particular–helping to shove me closer to the same “I don’t care how I am seen/I care what I contribute” frame of being.

Thank you for your candor, your insight, and letting me (and all of us) share in this journey with you. Much love to you, Irene, Gregory, and Amanda. May the light you kindle, illuminate us all.

By: Serhat

Serhat — Sun, 17 Apr 2016 10:52:36 +0000

Cant wait to go home and hug my wife… And my cat… And text my parents… And skype with my brother abroad… And finish remaining Pratchett books… Thanks for reminding what actually matters.

By: Stuart Forrest

Stuart Forrest — Sun, 17 Apr 2016 09:50:03 +0000

I just found your blog and read it from beginning to end. I run a cloud based cms software company in the uk. The chaos of hospital visits struck a chord with me. I have a 15 year old disabled child who is very often admitted to hospital and every doctor that speaks to us asks us to recap her history from birth and writes it down??? You would think it could be more organised than that in the age of computers!

Thanks for sharing your story. I have fingers and toes crossed as I am a non believer too. I hope you keep writing for a long time into the future. Best wishes.

By: Theo

Theo — Sat, 16 Apr 2016 19:19:40 +0000

I wish you all the best Michael and thank you for sharing your experiences and thoughts with the rest of us.
Greetings from Greece