This week I write in remembrance of Peter Waite, former ProLiteracy CEO and adult literacy leader. He passed away last month. The news was unexpected. I was startled. He was only a few years older than I am and was living life so fully, as is shared in his obituary. I recalled my last interactions with him a few years ago when I was researching the beginning of the California Library Literacy Services for a guidebook I was writing. Peter was instrumental in the organization’s development, and he was an active supporter and leader. When I published my own memories of adult literacy work in Reflections on Adult Literacy last year, he gave it a special endorsement which I really appreciate.  And now he’s gone.

I felt a little relief when I learned that Peter had been diagnosed with lymphoma six weeks before his death. Longer would have been better; sure, but I was glad to know it didn’t happen suddenly, without notice. And while I don’t know the details of those final weeks, I feel that he likely made good use of the time he had. I hope he got a chance to go fly fishing once again, maybe enjoy a hike, and create more special moments with his family. Peter put a lot of passion and living into 75 years.

This week I’ve been pondering a question this news prompts. A question no one wants to think about:

What if I were to find I have only six weeks left on this earth?

My answer: I have no idea. Yet, I’m happy to have the question presented. It pushes me to slow down, to reflect, to make space for what’s most important. To rekindle passion for ideas set on the back burner. To appreciate people in my life who probably don’t even know how special they are to me. To not procrastinate. To not wait. To breathe deeply and to laugh a little more. And maybe to write more, too.

Whether you knew Peter or not, I hope you’ll take a moment to pause with me to send love to his family and his friends. Then take another moment to send love to your family and friends. Renew your passion to live fully. Let’s appreciate this wonderful opportunity we have to live on such a beautiful planet among such special and unique people.

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