Since this song came out, it’s always meant something deep. I mean as in “life meaning” and well, the other stuff, too – Tim sure is somethin’ – beautiful to listen to, to look at and to witness the love he has for Faith. They sing about their life together, the lessons they’ve learned and the reminder to focus on what matters – the things you don’t buy – family, relationships, experiences, love, music.
Ok, back to the meaning of the song, LIVE LIKE YOU WERE DYING…
Thousands of people just like us were waiting to hear this iconic song, to sing it together. But our experience was different.
A family of 4 were seated (standing) in front of us – what looked to be a dad, mom and 2 girls (about 12 and 14 years old). The mom appeared to have cancer, as she had a hat over her bald head, was pale, thin and a bit weak (standing and sitting throughout the concert). This was a life-altering night for me, one full of perspectives and lessons.
So when everyone cheered for the infamous song to come on, the four of us behind this family tried to sing but there were so many tears that words hardly came out. We watched this beautiful family interlock their arms and sing. I watched her, this beautiful woman, wife and mom. She looked at her daughters with a spark, just watching them. Watching with a different set of eyes, a different outlook. WHAT A GIFT. That’s what love is, unconditional love is. Through the eyes of this beautiful momma, life is short. It’s meant to be filled with hope, love, memories. It’s meant to be lived, full out, all in. It’s meant to be slower, intentional and present. Health, in all parts, is the most important aspect so be YOU. Find that girl, that woman, that wife, that mom…she’s all there. Give love, help others, live your purpose so that when our time runs out, we can look around like did in wonderment. In peace. In love. Whole and accepting of her next stage in life. What if we embraced, embodied life like is? I watched this mom, this woman look at her daughters with a spark, maybe her last concert with them. When Live Like You Were Dying started, all 4 of us behind them bawled…I mean, I couldn’t control the tears. When Humble and Kind began, they swayed back and forth and interlocked arms over their shoulders. She kept looking to her right and left, just watching her girls. Watching with a different set of eyes, a different outlook. WHAT A GIFT. Being weak, down, sick doesn’t elicit a handout. That’s what love is, unconditional love is. Through the eyes of this beautiful momma, life is short. It’s meant to be filled with hope, love, memories. It’s meant to be lived, full out, all in. It’s meant to be slower, intentional and present. Health, in all parts, is the most important aspect so be YOU. Find that girl, that woman, that wife, that mom…she’s all there. Give love, help others, live your purpose so that when our time runs out, we can look around like she was in wonderment. In peace. In love. And she was whole and accepting of her next stage in life.
Someday I hope you get the chance
To live like you were dying
Like tomorrow was a gift
And you’ve got eternity
To think about
What you’d do with it
What could you do with it
What did I do with it?
What would I do with it?
What if we embraced, embodied life like is?
LIVE LIKE YOU WERE DYING…
Dr. T
