Before I close my eyes...

“Everybody will die, but very few people want to be reminded of that fact.” ― Lemony Snicket

The Wise Old Man once told me that people with terminal illness, are the lucky ones. They are chosen by God, to be informed of roughly their date of demise. God has given them that privilege so that they can get their affairs in order before the angel of death claims their souls.

The Wise Old Man also said that not many will regard the advance notice as a blessing, rather many would take it as a curse.

In a way, I can see the point that the Wise Old Man was making. I mean, we know that we will all die some day. It's inevitable. The only difference between us is the time of death and how we die.

Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion.
Surah Al Imran 3:185

The other day, I ran into an acquaintance at the supermarket whilst rushing to get something for my husband. A year ago, a friend told me that this acquaintance, sister Z has been diagnosed with cancer and that she was undergoing treatment. At that time, I wanted to visit sister Z but I didn't want to intrude on her private time. Furthermore, we were not really friends hence I didn't know if my visit would be welcomed.

Anyway, I ran into sister Z as I was entering the main entrance of the supermarket. We exchanged greetings and I asked her how she was doing. She was very cheerful and she told me something that impressed me. Sister Z said that she has accepted the gift that God has given her and she is grateful. She is thankful for each additional day that she gets as it is a blessing from Him.

Abu Hurayra reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “Remember frequently the thing that cuts off pleasures,” i.e. death.” [at-Tirmidhi]

MasyaAllah...now this is a person who has truly accepted her fate and is completely happy with it. Not only that, she regards her sickness as a gift. Not once did she express regret or anger. In fact, I've never seen anyone more at peace than her.

You know, I can't help wondering that if I am in sister Z's shoes, how will I react. Would I be able to trust God's plan? Can I accept it in good faith? Or would I rather die a sudden death? One thing for sure, is that I know I have a long list of unfinished business and I hope that I am given the time to put my affairs in order before I permanently close my eyes.

Before parting ways, I hugged sister Z and wished her well. I pray that God grants her the best of this world and hereafter. Like the Wise Old Man said, sister Z is indeed one of the chosen few...ameen....