Chasing Daylight


I have been reading a beautifully written and thought provoking book this week, called, 'Chasing Daylight' by Eugene O'kelly. I did not expect to enjoy it as much as I did, for all sorts of reasons.

For a start, it is all about how he handled the fact that he had only months to live following the discovery of several brain tumours.  I thought it might be hard going, considering I almost died from a heart attack myself two years ago, and still feel I am on borrowed time sometimes.

I started to read, pleased to discover that he handled the news well, that he was determined to die with dignity... all very profound and somewhat comforting to me. He goes on to describe how  he said a pleasant 'goodbye' to all his hundreds of friends, and I found myself looking back at my own life. At what I had achieved, and what I hadn't, how many people's lives had I touched.

Three quarters of the way through the book I began to feel sad - not for him, but for me.
You see, I know now for sure that my life has not been that exciting or profound. Too much heartbreak and disasters for a start.
I have been a loner for most of my life, which will probably be a good thing, as there won't be masses of people saddened by my passing.
That's if I decide to go (I am still undecided about that!)
As Dylan Thomas said, I will 'rage against the dying of the light' as I still feel there is something I haven't done or achieved yet, and there is still time!
Still time to think about all the things I still want to do, or see, or achieve. 'Never too late' is fast becoming a mantra and I wonder what will happen next?

There is a lot to be said for dying suddenly. No time to worry about it or try to plan it, neither of which is very desirable. Mr O'kelly learned to meditate and unwind using water, something I have been doing all my life. Rivers, waterfalls, the sea, all have a deep profound effect on me. The only thing that does, actually.

So, 'Chasing Daylight' was sad but uplifting in a way. The fact that his illness was painless was a blessing and to be desired by all of us, and possibly what stops this book becoming a harrowing reading experience.

I hope the next book I read is more cheerful!
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Published on April 27, 2013 06:14
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Anita Dawes
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