Acceptance of a life limiting illness, knowledge that the end of life may be near is difficult for all of us.  From the moment we are born, we are all dying.  Often awareness of this fact does not prepare us for our own death, or the death of a loved one.  However, we all will face this moment in our lives when we realize the end is close.  How are we to live day to day when one we love is dying? 

The importance of living day to day cannot be over-emphasized.  Our time is limited, and none feel that more than the dying.  How then can we live day to day?  Take these intense moments at the end of life as they come.  Expect moments of intense suffering, but also tears of joy.  Expect moments of intense sadness, but also of laughter in sharing memories.  Spend time together, and show that your relationship with your loved one is healthy, even if she is not healthy.  Release grappling for control of the situation.  While we may believe that we are in control, only the Creator is truly in control.  At times remember the serenity prayer – Lord, let me accept the things I cannot change, change the things I can, and grant me wisdom to know the difference. 

Serenity to accept the things I cannot change is acceptance of the situation we find ourselves in today.  Easy to say, but difficult to do - but difficulty does not mean impossible, but rather hard, and may take time.  Take the time with them.  Our loved one has just been diagnosed with a terminal illness. Now what do we do?  We should maintain our relationships through the use of easy, routine conversations.  Recognize that we do not have control of the situation and release it.  This release will help us to focus on the time we have remaining to live together.