To floss, or not to floss: that is the question.

Hello family and friends. This is Dan (Darla's son) hopping on my mom's blog at her request to provide an update on how she is doing.

The title of this post is "To floss, or not to floss: that is the question." The point of this title is not to improve the dental hygiene of the reader, but rather, my hope is to help us all to consider what is really important in our lives and to do more to pay attention to those things.

The other day, Mom said to me something along the lines of, "You know, I guess I don't have to floss any more." Fortunately though, we both agreed that brushing would still be a good idea since many friends and family members would be coming to visit in the upcoming days. In that sentence, Mom was doing more than throwing caution to the wind in regards to her war against cavities, she was making a profound observation: It is important to evaluate our lives on occasion and make sure that the less important things in life are being set aside to allow room for that which matters most.

Now, I'm not suggesting that we all stop flossing (in fact, I'll be the first to admit, I could definitely do a better job cultivating that habit). Rather, I propose that we think about what we would do differently if we knew that we only had one month to live. How would we treat those we love if we knew that this might be the last time they see us? Would we be more kind to those we meet? Would we be less afraid to say things we've always wanted to say? Would we be more willing to share the gospel with those who are close to us? Would we take time to enjoy a sunset, a sunrise, or a sweet smelling flower? Would we chew a little slower to savor our food? Would we spend more time on our knees expressing gratitude for the simple things in life that make living so wonderful? Would we be more willing to use that dollar in our pocket to bless the life of someone in need? Would we sing our favorite songs uncomfortably loud even if we couldn't carry a tune with a wheelbarrow? Would we be less quick to anger and faster to forgive? Would we hold grudges, or would we mend wounds caused by an unnecessary cross word or an unkind deed?

At some point, we will all have one month left to live, however, most of us won't be told when that month will be. For Mom, she was informed last week that she likely has at most one month to live. A blood test revealed that her liver function has decreased dramatically and she is now showing signs of advanced liver failure. The doctor told us that Mom will likely have one to two weeks where she will be able to enjoy a somewhat normal quality of life before things begin to get worse. Needless to say, it has been a difficult few days for all of us.

Many of you may not be able to see Mom or spend much time with her during these next few weeks. Because of that, I want to let you know how wonderfully well Mom is handling this difficult situation. As you all know, Mom is an incredibly positive woman. That quality has only been amplified during the past few months. Not once have I heard "Why me?" Not once has she complained about her situation. If you really make her tell the truth, she might let you in on the fact that her stomach hurts, but she will quickly change the subject to something more fun. She is not concerned about her situation, but worries more about her family and friends she is leaving behind. She has been an example of strength and optimism.

I love you Mom and will miss you more than you'll ever know. You have taught me so much throughout my life and those lessons will be passed on to my children and all those I have the opportunity to teach. At this time, however, I am especially grateful for what you have taught me during the past couple of weeks about making room for that which is most important. Although more than 29 years have passed since I was born, no one month has made more of an impact on my life than this past month. Your example of courage, optimism, and happiness have been etched in my mind forever and I am a better man for having spent this time with you.

It is my hope that we all can treat each month as if it were our last and with the same positive attitude with which Mom has treated this month. As we do so, let us all try to recognize when it's time to throw out life's unnecessary "dental floss" and, instead, spend more time enjoying more of life's important "sweet treats."

I love you Mom!