People chuckle.

“Death is a natural consequence of life. You can’t have one without the other. It is one of the only things, apart from birth, that we all have in common. No matter how we live, or where, or how much money we have, we all leave this world the same way. So don’t waste time being miserable, or weeping for me. Do I wish things were different? Hell, yes. No question. I don’t want to die. I’m not ready for it, and I’m terrified. But I will, and soon, probably. Grieve for me for a short while, and then be thankful for each day that you are still here. Some things we can’t control, but there is so much we can. Choose to be happy. Choose to be grateful, for both life and the small moments it consists of. Choose kindness, and love over hate. Always choose love. Even if you are as scared as you can possibly be, choose love. When you are face-to-face with your own mortality you don’t want to be thinking, If only I’d been braver. Be brave now. Take chances. What have you got to lose?”

I pause, and someone starts to tentatively clap. It makes me smile, but it’s not what I want. I hold up one hand.

“Wait,” I say. “I’m not finished. I know that you’ve heard all this before. I’m not going to stand here and pretend that I’m the first dying person to come up with these nuggets of wisdom. I’m not. And I won’t be the last. But here’s the thing: I didn’t understand just how important this advice is. Not until I was dying myself. And if that’s the one thing I can get through to you today, then I’ll be happy. Don’t wait until you’re dying to start living. Think about what I’ve said to you, really think about it. I know life can be busy and hard and there are a million little mundane things that have to be done each day in order to just survive. But surviving isn’t enough. You have to live, really live. Because, before you know it, your time will be up too, and you want to look back and be satisfied that you gave it your very best shot, and you lived your very best life.”

I have no idea if I’m getting through to them. I can see a few people crying. And couples embracing each other, heads bowed together. I hope I am. That’s all I can do.

“OK.” I smile. “That’s enough of that. I love you all. I will treasure the memories we share until I take my last breath, but I want this day to be about living. So, please, as well-meaning as I know you all are, I’d appreciate it if no one tried to use today to tell me goodbye. I’m not dead yet, and I’m not ready for that. So let’s all get a drink and enjoy the best that this fine town has to offer. I want you all to enjoy yourselves, please—that’s an order. Or I’ll take it personally.”