William Jack Zimmerman, M.D., Ph.D. (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
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sixwordstories2017-09-13 07:51 am
w_zimmerman) wrote in sixwordstories2017-09-13 07:51 am
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Live each day like your last.
I generally do. Danger be a fact of life in End-World.
What about the reverse? Live each day like it's your first?
The philosophy isn't about being ready for death. It's about embracing life.
Also sound advice. You should never lose your sense of wonder, after all.
A sense of wonder can create a person's entire life. That wonder should also be inherent and not merely housed in somebody else whom you care about.
Being able to experience a sense of wonder or awe may not be strictly necessary to living, but I feel like it makes life more meaningful and worthwhile...
[He smiles softly. ]
I agree. Being able to play and have fun is also very important.
I agree. Being able to play and have fun is also very important.
Don't often find time to play, actually. But that doesn't mean I don't have fun.
My sense of play is backpacking interesting locales and photographing what I find in my travels.
Oh, not necessarily. Either mindset can exist in the absence of the other, or a person can have both, or neither. Many humans have a habit of isolating off their awareness of death, so they don't have to live with it quite so closely. But that doesn't necessarily mean they have a healthy relationship with life, either.
[He smiles warmly, nodding.]
Every day is a beautiful gift.
Every day is a beautiful gift.
Is it given to you or given away?
(Speaks carefully. English is not her first language.)
(Speaks carefully. English is not her first language.)
I feel like it's a gift you're given, but one that becomes even more meaningful when you share it with others. Does that make sense?
Not required, no, but I'd think that one would make the other easier.
Yes.
(Perfect sense.)
What will you do with it?
(Perfect sense.)
What will you do with it?
[It's a surprisingly direct question for a first meeting, but he doesn't let that bother him, and he answers honestly.]
I give my set of days to the people I love. I use it try to make the world a better place for them, and for people like them. I try to make their lives a little less lonely and their burdens a little less painful to bear.
I give my set of days to the people I love. I use it try to make the world a better place for them, and for people like them. I try to make their lives a little less lonely and their burdens a little less painful to bear.
It is wise to share what is plentiful.
(Sips the hot tea.)
They will share with others when they are able.
(Sips the hot tea.)
They will share with others when they are able.
I sometimes think not everyone can share, but that's okay. We don't share ourselves with others because we expect something in return. We share with others because we love them, and because sharing is beautiful and satisfying.
What about you? Do you share with others?
What about you? Do you share with others?
(Eyes close a moment too long. Nods.)
This one...owed a great debt.
This one...owed a great debt.
[He studies her closely, frowning in concern and sympathy.]
How so?
How so?
It is a long story and another life.
(An exhale quietly sighs.)
This one is now dead because of the payment. Her brother and those she once called family are dead. They could not be allowed to continue.
(An exhale quietly sighs.)
This one is now dead because of the payment. Her brother and those she once called family are dead. They could not be allowed to continue.
[Will takes her hand in his, squeezing it gently.]
Some sacrifices are harder than others, but I think losing your family is probably the hardest there is...
Some sacrifices are harder than others, but I think losing your family is probably the hardest there is...
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