WHAT PEOPLE SAY BEFORE THEY DIE

Pulitzer Prize-winning author and oncologist Siddhartha Mukherjee says there are generally four things that people say before they die. Mukherjee said during a commencement speech at the University of Pennsylvania last week, “Every person that I’ve met in this moment of transition wanted to make four offerings.” The phrases are some variation of this:
– I want to tell you that I love you.
– I want to tell you that I forgive you.
– Would you tell me that you love me?
– Would you give me your forgiveness?
He says these phrases indicate that people waited until it was late to show their appreciation for others or right their interpersonal wrongs.
* I’d have thought the most common thing people say is, “You’re standing on my oxygen hose.”
* The best thing to say as your last words are, “I hid all the money in the—- in the —- uhhphhh.”
* Wow. Thanks for the uplifting commencement address.
* “Who should we get to inspire the graduates and get them excited about the future?” “How ’bout a cancer doctor?”
* Old joke: Dad is on his death bed. The family is gathered around. Dad says, “My wife – is my beloved wife here?” His wife says, “I’m right here.” Dad says, “My children – are the children here?” His children say, “We’re here, dad. We’re with you.” Dad says, “Are my darling grandchildren here?” The kiddoes say, “Yes, Grandpa, we’re here.” Dad says, “Then why are all the lights on in the living room!”