Making the most of every last day

In When Breath Becomes Air, Paul Kalanithi examined the question of how a person can continue to live when they have only a few months left. We asked three Torontonians to consider the same question. Here’s what they had to say.

John Rudolph Principal percussion Toronto Symphony Orchestra

I would spend every possible minute with my family.

My wife, son, daughter and son-in-law. Most especially my precious granddaughter Klara who is 7 months old. I would do everything I possibly could to be with all of them in my last few months. I would go for a run with my son and try not to slow him down.

I would write a memoir of family life experiences. I would reconnect with old friends and extended family by phone. If time allowed I would write a book on my experiences as an orchestral percussionist and teacher and record some of my favourite pieces. I would attempt to organize finances so my wife would be comfortable.

But most of all I would hold Klara and sing her songs my mother sung to me.

Vickery Bowles City librarian Toronto Public Library

Getting away from the routine of everyday life seems obvious but important. Travelling with my family through the Canadian Rockies to the Pacific coast, perhaps, to experience the magnificence of the Canadian wilderness, the solitude, the beauty of the natural world.

And yet everyday living is also important. Cooking a family meal, enjoying it together, walking the dogs, filling the bird feeders, tending my herb garden . . . all important daily pleasures that I cherish.

I would reread Margaret Laurence’s book, The Diviners, for strength and resolve. As a young woman, this book had such an impact on me. Morag Gunn’s strength and independence, her struggles made such an impression on me at a time when I was finding myself and my way in the world.

Finally I would think of my mother, my mentor. I would hold onto her love and wisdom, and know in the end, that I lived life well and fully.

Mervon Mehta Executive director, Performing Arts Royal Conservatory of Music

My six months would be dedicated to travelling the world with family and fulfilling my music bucket list.

My son is fascinated by out-of-the-way parts of the world and I would let him plan an adventure to someplace like Nauru or Transnistria. We’d then head to Timbuktu for a revived Festival in the Desert for three days of music in the sand followed by travel to African music capitals in Senegal, Nigeria, Zimbabwe and South Africa. Next, stops in the Middle East to hear music that can assist with our understanding the region.

A week reliving my childhood in Montreal would follow as we take in the vibrant music and restaurant scene culminating with an invitation to skate with the Habs during a pre-game warm up.

Lastly, I would program my final season in Koerner Hall with all of the new artists I have met along the way.