英语翻译
Why Measure Life in Heartbeats?
Hemingway once wrote that courage is grace under pressure.But I would rather think with the 18th-century Italian dramatist,Vittorio Alfieri,that “often the test of courage is not to die but to live.For living with cancer engenders more than pressure; it begets terror.To live with it,to face up to it----that’s courage.
Hope is our most effective “drug” in treating cancer.There is almost no cancer (at any stage) that cannot be treated.By instilling hope in a patient,we can help develop a positive,combative attitude to his disease.Illogical,unproven?Perhaps.But many doctors believe that this must become a part of cancer therapy if the therapy is to be effective.
I have had the joy of two beautiful and wonderful wives,the happiness of parenthood and the love of eight children.My work was constantly challenging and fulfilling.I have always loved music and books,ballet and the theater.I was addicted to fitness,tennis,golf,curling,hunting and fishing.Good food and wine graced my table.My home was a warm and happy place.
But when I became aware of my imminent mortality,my attitudes changed.There was real meaning to the words,“This is the first day of the rest of your life.” There was a heightened awareness of each sunny day,the beauty of flowers,the song of a bird.How often do we reflect on the joy of breathing easily,of swallowing without effort and discomfort,of walking without pain,of a complete and peaceful night’s sleep.
After I became ill,I embraced upon many things I had been putting off before.I read the books I had set aside for retirement and wrote one myself,entitled the Art of Surgery.My wife Madeleine and I took more holidays.We played tennis regularly and curled avidly; we took the boys fishing.When I review these past few years,it seems in many ways that I have lived a lifetime since I acquired cancer.On my last holiday in the Bahamas,as I walked along the beach feeling the gentle waves wash over my feet,I felt part of the universe,even if only a minuscule one,like a grain of sand on the beach.
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I believe that death may be the most important part of life.I believe that life is infinitesimally brief in relation to the immensity of eternity.I believe,because of my religious faith,that I shall “return to the Father” in an afterlife that is beyond description.I believe that though my life was short in years,it was full in experience,joy,love and accomplishment; that my own immortality will reside in the memories of my loved ones left behind,mother,brother,wife,children,dear friends.I believe that I will die with loved ones close by and,one hopes,achieve that great gift of God--- death in peace,and with dignity.