Gone in 60 Seconds

“We are dust with an attitude.” ~Dr. James Finley, author, clinical psychologist, former Trappist monk

The Bishop’s dinner was in full swing and the local chapter of the ICF (Italian Catholic Federation) was doing themselves proud. Mass, celebrated by the local Bishop, had ended and a steady stream of revelers had filled the parish hall. The men had been in the kitchen most of the day boiling pasta and putting the finishing touches on the sauce.

The salads had been plated and served while the wine glasses were being filled. Now the Strozzapreti with ragu and sausage was being served. The annual fundraiser for the Auxiliary Bishop was off to a great start. The men in black filled the long head table smiling paternally at their “constituents”.

At first the disturbance in the front corner went unnoticed, but soon people were looking in the direction of table #2 wondering what was going on. It quickly became apparent. Angela Cazzoni, a spry woman in her early seventies had, without warning, slumped onto the table in front of her. A moment later she slid off her chair onto the floor.

911 was called and a retired doctor who was attending the dinner checked her vital signs. A faint shake of his head indicated there was no proof of life. A group of teens (members of the youth group who had volunteered as servers) silently formed a circle, clasped hands, bowed their heads in silent prayer. One of the priests went to the stricken woman and prayed over her.

Tony, Angela’s husband, popped open his cell phone and called their children. “We’re going to the hospital,” he said simply. “Please be careful and don’t rush…she’s already gone.” He clicked off.

The EMT’s arrived and did a cursory exam. The teens continued their prayers. Finally Angela’s lifeless body was loaded onto the gurney. Tony at her side, they headed up the center aisle between the tables. “I’m sure she’s happy,” Tony remarked absent mindedly to one of the EMT’s. “She attended Mass said by her Bishop then died drinking wine and eating pasta with her friends.” She wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.

They disappeared out the door into the darkness.

The “If you had one day to live, what would you do?” question has made the rounds on websites, Facebook, blogs and even CNN. But what would you do if you only had one minute to live? In this scenario, you will never see your nice car again (even if it was valet parked). You won’t be able to return to your house or go to your office. Your titles and degrees will be meaningless. The size of your bank account won’t matter nor how well you have invested for the future. There will be unanswered messages in your email box. You won't even have time to go on Facebook to announce your unexpected departure from this earthly realm.

What would you do with the 60 seconds you had left? Would you tell someone you loved them? Would you forgive someone or perhaps ask for forgiveness? Would you let go of an old resentment or try to right some wrong? Would you call someone? Or, would you simply wait?

Once a year various Christian denominations observe Ash Wednesday. It is a holy day which celebrates our mortality (“from dust you came and to dust you shall return”). Why is it that church attendance increases exponentially on a day intended to remind us we will inevitably die…maybe today?

Death has a way of putting things into perspective. It sharpens our focus by cutting through pretense and sham. Death is the great equalizer. The Talmud says: "Be exceedingly humble of spirit, since the hope of man is but worms" (Aboth. iv. 4). In other words,” how can anyone who is going to die any minute think their important?”

Good stewards of time keep their eye on the prize. They know we are simply “dust in transition”. This viewpoint instills in us, not a morbid reality, but a sense of freedom. Most of us will not be as fortunate as Angela Cazzoni, but we can find a new freedom and a new happiness when we realize most of the things we stress over are not that important. When in doubt, apply the 60 second test.

Dear God, teach me to be grateful for every minute you have given me.

“There are a lot of important people in that cemetery. Unfortunately they’re all dead.” ~author unknown

© 2011 James E. Carper. All rights reserved.

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