In one of my favourite books, Tuesdays with  Morrie, Mitch Albom tells a true story of Morrie Schwartz who is dying of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease, which is a form of motor neurone disease. A brave man with a positive view of life, Morrie believes one cannot learn how to live unless one knows how to die. Albom, an average journalist, tells this story about his favourite college Professor who is dying and who changed his life by showing him reasons for existence, and the things we should cherish. He travels many miles and meets with Morrie on Tuesdays, and Mitch realises how much better his life is with all the time he spends with Morrie, and ultimately becomes a much better person. In this story, Mitch shares how Morrie has a funeral before he dies, so he can get to hear the things people say about him, which in turn offers him the opportunity to respond, to share his own love and answer any questions about his life his loved ones might ask. So often I have been to a funeral and found out so many things about someone whom I thought I knew, as well as having an overflowing basket full of questions that will remain unanswered forever. Morrie’s gift to his family and friends is profound, and makes his death so much more meaningful.

Apart from becoming my memory bank, blogging has become my journal. It is the 21st century diary, only you, my readers, get to read it before I die! How cool is that?! Well, it is for me anyway. Rather than having to wait until I die, you can share my thoughts, and see into my heart and soul. I have decided it definitely allows you, and me, to share more honestly and openly. Rather than have someone find my journals and diaries some time after I die, and interpret them in ways that may not be authentic to who I am or what I meant (perhaps even publish them,without my permission), they are there, for all to read. They are there as a matter of public record, for you to respond to, to ask questions about if you can be bothered, or to ignore if you so choose. This public blogging thing is having a profound effect on me; it has opened me up to a world of new online friends, it has strengthened my relationships with those friends who are joining me on this ride, and has given me a new type of power over my own destiny. It may not be a living funeral, but it is an online version of that same deep intimacy and shared love. Thank you for joining me.