Lawyer One says to Lawyer Two, “You look awful. What’s up?”
“My dad had a massive stroke. He’s paralyzed from the neck down.”
“I’m so sorry!” They order drinks.”How old is he?”
“He’s 61.”
Silence.
“Whoa. What’s the prognostication?”
“We don’t know yet. Some doctors say he may never walk again. Others say he might be okay after physical therapy. It just depends.”
“On what?”
“They say some of it will be the extent of the damage to the brain. They’re not sure yet. But it’s also a lot about how hard he works to be well again.”
Lawyer One says, “He’s still young! Sixty-one is means he has a lot of good years ahead.”
“Or decades of hell.”
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Cut to the novel Deathlist, and its thematic question.
Would You Want To Know When You’re Going To Die?
Here’s the thing. If you knew you were going to live to be a hundred, would it give you a better motivation to work your fanny off to be able to walk again? OR would you want to be glad you’re still able to read with your eyes? What if you were an artist? Would you somehow learn to hold a paintbrush in your teeth? Paint with your nose? Or as a musician, wouldn’t you like to know how to compose music through a speaking- or singing-to-musical-notation device? ALSO, you could still listen to amazing books and take classes online or at a school!
We don’t know how long we will live, but I’ll tell you that a young man injured in a surfing accident was paralyzed from the neck down. What did he do? He went around to schools to tell teenagers that whatever happens to them, they can still make a life. He was funny and hip with long, blond surfer hair, and he had the kids (middle school, by the way — a tough age to impress) glued to their seats. He didn’t know how long he had to live, but he made himself useful by helping others. Either way, the Deathlist could tell you how long you had and help you make your decision. OR you can make your life how you want it either way.
I’d like to know.
Would You Want To Know When You’re Going To Die?
Let us know. Go HERE to fill out the short survey. We’ll collect the answers and use yours anonymously (of course) to let people know what others think.
Oh… and the two lawyers? Maybe the dad will find a fulfilling life. From the neck up. We hope so.
P.S. Here’s the Deathlist book trailer!