Phil, I'm sorry I missed your original post. I've been super busy lately. A couple of years ago my youngest sister came within a hairs breath of being taken from us, due to illness. If it weren't for her age (mid-thirties) and fitness, she would not have survived. We recognized at that time, how fleeting life can be. So, you are right - we need to make each day count.
My sincere condolences to you and your family.