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November 11, 2006
Remembering Pedro
Pedro and Me is a poignant literary novel about a young man faced with AIDS. The story shows how the disease changed his life and pushed him to speak about the disease. Pedro's message went well beyond AIDS. He showed people what it meant to live life to its fullest and love others with a generosity rarely seen. He reached people all over the world and was greatly missed when he passed away.
How would knowing that you have a terminal illness change your life? What would your message be?
Posted by at November 11, 2006 3:10 PM | Pedro and Me
Comments
It would make me want to take chances. It would force me to take off my outer shell that shields me from the outside world, and really let my story and own individual message be known. It would allow me to see how precious life really is, and my departing message would have to be 'those who dare to fail miserably, can achieve greatly.' I would want to leave knowing I went for it, and didn't hold back.
Posted by: Jayme Bennett at November 13, 2006 12:20 AM
It would make me want to take chances. It would force me to take off my outer shell that shields me from the outside world, and really let my story and own individual message be known. It would allow me to see how precious life really is, and my departing message would have to be 'those who dare to fail miserably, can achieve greatly.' I would want to leave knowing I went for it, and didn't hold back.
Posted by: Jayme Bennett at November 13, 2006 12:20 AM
Everyday is filled with moments that are often passed without appreciation or full realization of the potential impact we can have on others through our words, kind deeds and thoughts. I think awareness of each moment creates a state of mindfulness through which we are more likely to have a postive impact, affecting not only the quality of our own lives, but of those around us each day.
Posted by: Mary F. Wright at November 13, 2006 12:08 PM
It would make me value the little things much more. I would appreciate every aspect of my days, and really consider my last words to people. Was the last thing I said to my brother something I want him to remember me for? Did I show patience to the 3rd graders that I work with each week? Did I tell my mom that I love her? There's so many things in my life that I am blessed with, but half the time I don't even realize it.
Posted by: Anna Hoffman at November 13, 2006 12:29 PM
I think that knowing I had a terminal illness would change the way I acted in everyday life. I would be less inclined to do what was expected of me, and more inclined to do what I felt like or wanted to do. I wouldn't think so much about consequences. I would think more in terms of what would help me feel like I'd lived my life to the fullest.
Posted by: Emily at November 13, 2006 5:11 PM
I've spent a lot of time thinking about this question; it was actualy similar to my theme at camp this summer (live the live you imagine). I try to live my life to make a positive impact on the world but if I were living with a terminal illiness I will admit my life would take a selfish turn (living my life just for me). It's very admirable that Pedro chose to continue living to educate others to make a difference.
Posted by: Amy Moe at November 13, 2006 5:11 PM
This question really makes everyone think, no matter who you are. When thinking about death I think of all the people I would leave behind, and the memories I have shared with them. I would make it a point to tell everyone that I love them and make sure that everyone will be happy when I am gone.
Posted by: Matt Evensen at November 13, 2006 5:13 PM
Knowing that I were dying would definitely change my life. I would make sure to jam pack my days full of the things I hadn't done. I would also make sure to tie up my loose ends. I wouldn't want to leave without mending broken relationships or letting my loved ones know how much I loved them!
Posted by: Natalie Senske at November 13, 2006 5:17 PM
When I was in high school I got sick ALL the time. I'm talking about stay home from school sick once a month. It finally was summer and my mom had to take me to the doctor. The doctor talked about doing blood tests. He wanted to test my blood for leukemia. For half and hour I waited sick and scared out of my mind. It turned out to be a case of mono. I can't exactly say what I would have done if I had had it. I guess all I can really say is that I would want to talk to other people with my disease so they wouldn't be afraid of dying.
Posted by: Sarah at December 7, 2006 8:57 PM