by Hannah Curtis

Created on: August 05, 2008   Last Updated: June 26, 2009

Life on Earth is not eternal, death comes to us all sooner or later; we can only hope that we have some warning before we leave this world. Some people are diagnosed with terminal cancer, like Jade Goody, and have time to plan their last few years, months and days. Others, like Michael Jackson, however pass away quickly with no warning, no time to say goodbye to family and friends and prepare themselves. The question is what I would do if I were to die tomorrow. How would I like to spend these last few precious hours of my life?

I would first take some time out to be alone, time to sit and reflect. I would go to Greenwich Park and rest on my favorite bench which stands on a hill overlooking the city of London and the River Thames. It is a beautiful view from there, especially when the sun is shining. It is a fitting place too, right next to the time conservatory, the centre of Greenwich Mean Time. The clock is slowly ticking, my seconds on earth slowly dying. I would think over and evaluate my life, make a list of regrets and vow to make up for them if humanly possible on this, my last day. Next I would write personal letters to my family and friends, something to remember me by, and would end my time sitting here by examining my conscience and writing my last confession.

My next port of call would be to my local Church, the building that holds so many fond memories of my spiritual journey in my short life; including Baptism, Confession, Holy Communion, Confirmation, and weekly Masses. I would say my last confession, spend some time in front of the Tabernacle, gaining comfort from Scriptures and thanking God for my life and then take my leave.

My soul hopefully taken care of, I would concentrate on those I would be leaving behind. Initially I would spend many hours alone with my fiance, one last time to share our love together. Over the course of the afternoon I would go out with one last meal with my mates; pizza hut of course, my all-time favourite. We would buy everything on the menu and make the meal last for as long as it could. The evening would be devoted to my family and fiance, I would not go to bed that last night, but spend the time having fun with my loved ones, sharing memories, tears and laughter one last time.

Naturally at the back of my mind, fear would be lingering. What lies beyond the gateway of death? My journey on earth has finished to what purpose? The start of eternity will shortly beckon, hopefully in heaven, along with my brother. I would desperately miss those I left behind; I would pray that they each would also be given the chance to celebrate their last day on earth to the fullest.

Learn more about this author, Hannah Curtis.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.