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Norm MacDonald was diagnosed with cancer in 2013. He kept his illness secret from the public, going so far as seeking medical care under aliases. His battle against cancer ended in 2021. We then lost a very gifted comedian, but also a very good man.
I love a quote of his from 2017, "It's the greatest gig in the world, being alive. You get to eat at Denny's, wear a hat, whatever you wanna do."
Which is really good news for all of us who find ourselves above ground in 2026. A year ahead of us with the option of Breakfast Grand Slams and keeping our heads warm.
I used this quote yesterday at a meeting of my hospice team. Our patients sometimes no longer have the option of going out to eat, and yet still there is life. I reminded the team that our job is to make our patients' few remaining days as joyful and meaningful as can be.
Jesus said in John 10:10, "I have come that they might have life, and have it to the full."
May your life in the year 2026 be abundant. There is so much good to be done. Don't neglect the abundant opportunities G-d will provide for us.
Discussion (10)
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Hear, hear. Death is not to be feared; life is to be celebrated.
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I don't really understand why being alive is a good thing. It's mostly purposeless suffering.
Everywhere I hear that life is a gift but I've never understood why. The sayings and the sentiment are as reliable as an evening tide but they never ring true.
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Amen.
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I suppose therein lies the rub. Your comment logically begs the question.
I am persuaded life has a God-ordained purpose, and that includes the suffering. Even though (and especially when) the suffering makes no sense to me.
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I prefer Waffle House and their Fiesta Omelet plate myself . . .
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