25. Cancer took his body, but his Spirit speaks even louder now - A Tribute to the Life of Joel Staite (Episode 8)

Joel Staite passed away on October 8. The cancer that invaded his being some 6 years ago finally took his body. When first diagnosed, Joel's life span was confined to that year. He found a way. He found a way to live. He found a pathway that enabled him to maximise life for another 5 years, and that is one of his outstanding legacies. There was no victim here. No 'poor me'. I will never forget Joel's statement in Episode 8, in which he said, "I am almost thankful to cancer for showing me how to live". 
Who says that? Only a soul that is discovered greater riches knows that truth. Joel Staite was such a soul.
When anyone asks me what A JOURNEY WITH BERNIE is all about, I simply reply 'Listen to EPISODE 8'. It was ' MY GO TO' Episode. It was the episode that epitomised the pathway that calls ALL of us to become a more loving human being. It calls ALL of us to inspire greater inner happiness from within, and to add greater meaning to our humble lives today. Joel Staite discovered that pathway. However, his greatest claim is that 'none of us need to wait for death to tap us on the shoulder and remind us that it is around the corner'. If Joel was speaking to you right now, he would simply say, 'Recognise NOW that all life is impermanent and that there is no guarantee that any of us will wake up breathing tomorrow. Therefore, don't wait!! Learn to live your life fully NOW. We don't have to wait. The fullness of life is available right now'. 
Joel Staite your spirit lives on pal. It is so alive.