We are never more alive than when embracing our grand finale. *** My death sentence came in the exam room-- brief, with apologies and a note of sorrow in the directive to put my affairs in order. But in the upside-down of my mind, there was no order: only lists of regrets that needed to be unwritten. I refused to race toward the end of my tomorrows and reluctantly greet Death at the finish line. No. I ran to the warmth of each day, telling strangers they were beautiful, loving embracing laughing. I learned to dance for joy with my failing body. And in those last few months, I lived more than those I left behind