Perpetual Pondering

Do we ever arrive at anything? Really? Or, is it more accurate to perceive that one moment (and there is probably only ONE moment) is actually just a seamless perpetuation of endless moments wherein we discover something new in each and every one in ever increasing measure?  Trina and I recently read an interview in Time Magazine with Peter Goodwin, a doctor and longtime supporter of an individual's right to choose to end their own human experience when they had been diagnosed with only a few months of human life left in their bodies.  He too had been given that news.  When asked what he hoped for after death, his reply really caught our attention, "Foremost, if I had a choice, reuniting with my wife.  And I'd like to keep learning."  Wow, what an insightful reply.  He obviously loved and missed his wife, and he also understood that, although he had up until that particular moment experienced much and learned much, he had certainly not arrived.  We never want to loose the wonder of it all.  It keeps us ageless and youthful in ways that, to us, are most important.  It keeps us from drawing conclusions and forming dogmas with their oft resulting judgments.

By way of a prescribed dose of medication, Goodwin ended his life on March 11, 2012.  He died with dignity and on his terms.  He passed from human form to "whatever/however", knowing that he had not arrived and still seeking more.  I look forward to hanging out with you Peter.


To see a video of his interview, "Goodwin's Last", go to time.com/10questions.