Lee Lipsenthal helped thousands of patients through his job as the medical director of Preventative Medicine Research Institute. His job was to help those with serious diseases to overcome their fears of pain and of death. Lee was extremely successful in making others feel comfortable in their time of greatest need.
Then in July of 2009, after a doctors visit it was discovered that Lee had esophageal cancer. Shocked, a now numb Lee stumbled through the every day motions of making his wife feel safe and his two children secure. Lee made a decision then and there that he was not going to stop living, just because he was dying. Instead Lee continued to live life even fuller than before realizing that every bite of life counted…. every flower, every moment, ever conversation….. Lee learned to enjoy Every Sandwich.
For me it is this one self that is not identified with cancer, pain, or fear. Cancer is just a physical event of the moment – it just is what it is.
Lee Lipsenthal
Late last year I read The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch and this book reminded me a little of that one. Lee, like Randy, had been given a terminal diagnosis…. and Lee, like Randy, decided that they were not just going to lay down and die… but choose to live each day as best they could.
Lee chose to live by rules that each of us should apply in our lives anyway:
Make unconditional love a practice.
Fun stuff happens every day, embrace it.
Find joy in your work.
Be committed to make a difference.
I have to admit I struggled with Lee’s thoughts on God (or what he called the “God Neuroimagination”) and some of the different ways he experienced or pursued spirituality. It did seem as though he did experience Jesus at one point and that I was thrilled about.
I liked some of the things that Lee did or suggested. Writing three things down each day that we are grateful for that happened that day before we go to bed? I love that! Who am I kidding? I need that!
Lee’s story is bitter sweet. In his final year he reminds us that life is short for all of us. It’s too short for fighting or separating yourself from family and friends, its time we all take a closer look at the things, the people we take for granted.
I lost my entire immediate family by the time I was 29 years old. I am a firm believer in experiencing the things you have always wanted to try, and to forgive because life is too short to carry the pain of grudge, anger, and resentment. Lee reminds me that each flower is one of a kind and the smell of a spring day is one well worth taking the time to breathe into my memory.
Lee Lipsenthal: August 13th, 1957 to September 20th, 2011. This book was released to the public for sale on November 8th, 2011.
I have one copy of this book available for giveaway – to enter for a chance to win it, leave a comment here letting me know something you live by or wish you did (ie… always saying hello to people you pass on the street, holding door open for people, helping someone in need, never going to bed angry…)
Goodreads Review
I received this book through Big Honcho Media
Book Journey 
I live by this wonderful quote (I wish I knew the author)
“A smile is the light in the window of your face that tells people you’re at home.” – I am trying to see everything in a positive way
Thank you for hosting this giveaway
Louis
pumuckler {at} gmail {dot} com
Great quote Louis!
This book sounds so inspirational, and we all need to practice these “rules,” whether we’ve had a diagnosis or not. If we live in the moment, we will truly “enjoy every sandwich.”
You are right Laurel… and really, are we not all terminal?
I have always tried to enjoy each day and to see the good in everyone I meet. I am sure that my ‘positive’ energy makes a difference.
Thanks for this giveaway!
nadinenys(at)gmail(dot)com
Nadine that is a great way to live. Some days I do better at that then others. 🙂
Wow!! Very interesting book. I think it is important to remember that our time here is short and precious, and that we need to help others out in whatever way we can. Definitely will put this on my TBR list.
Great reminder Dalene! 🙂
Thanks for your review, Sheila. I think I’m beginning to live by “Life is short” as during the past few months, one of my cousins died at the age of 53 and the husband of a co-worker died at the age of 63. My husband recently retired and that has brought into focus the fact that there are many things we want to do and time is growing shorter for them. That sounds really morbid, but actually it has challenged me to go out and do more rather than waiting for “someday.” I’d love to win a copy of this book. Couldn’t help but note that Lee and I shared a birthdate although I’m a few years older than he was.
It is true Susan… we just dont know do we?
I would love to read this – I have read several good reviews. I kep meaning to read the Randy Pausch book, too. Living with chronic illness has taught me many of the same lessons. I think our family are all more grateful for what we have (each other, our home, etc.) because of what we have been through together.
I keep a Joy Journal, similar to the practice of writing what you are grateful for. Before bed, I jot down things that brought me joy that day. It is amazing that even on the worst days, you can find instances of joy.
When I set my goals at the start of the year, I try to include things that will help me to enjoy and appreciate life, like getting outdoors every day (even for a few minutes – it really helps!), doing something fun just for myself (which I actually find hard to do – I tend to be too focused on trying to get things done), and spending time with friends each week.
I will definitely look for this book. Thanks for the review!
Sue
That’s a good goal Sue… I made goals this year too…. now need to really get going on them 🙂