Playwright August Wilson told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, in a story published today, that he has been diagnosed with terminal liver cancer, and has about 5 months to live. Doctors concluded his case is too advanced for treatment.
He recently finished the crowning acheivement of his career, a series of ten plays chronocoling the experience of African-Americans in the 20th century, one play for each decade. The '90s play, Radio Golf, premeired recently.
If I ever find myself in a similar situation, I want to go out with this much dignity:
"It's not like poker, you can't throw your hand in," he said by phone from Seattle. "I've lived a blessed life. I'm ready."
Imagine the courage it takes to readily admit and accept the inevitable. The vast majority of humankind would be knee deep in sorrow and self-pity, which really accomplishes nothing.
I can guess that he will make a final push to get his ideas out in the public before he can no longer do so...similar to Warren Zevon before he passed on.
Leaving a legacy is one way we can live longer...not physically, but intellectually.
Hendrix and Morrison may be long gone, but they still live vibrant lives with their musical legacy. We should only be so fortunate.
[Edited on Aug 26, 2005 by semyaza]
3
robosagogo
State College, PA
September 2004
AUG 26, 2005 10:08 AM
I'm glad he got that crowning achievement out of the way.
jake_lex
Lexington, KY
February 2003
AUG 26, 2005 08:43 AM