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The question

If you had only one day left, how would you spend it — and what would you deliberately avoid?
AH
Amy Hempel

Short-story writer; teacher at the Michener Center for Writers

Recorded said elsewhere, not written here
I think that dying might bring about a profound loneliness. I don’t feel lonely in life, but I do think this would be a very hard discovery at the end. Assuming there might be a time of consciousness, I think that serious medication might be a help. Not to put me out, but to smooth things over. The last time I had surgery, the anesthesiologist visited me in Recovery and gave me a sheet of paper on which was listed all of the drugs he had administered. I was glad to get it after the surgery, since I went down the list thinking, That’s what killed Michael Jackson, that’s what killed Prince. I don’t take recreational drugs, never did, but I would like to have the option of taking the edge off of fear. People I love at my bedside—I don’t see that being a comfort, but a reminder of who I’ll be losing. Music might be welcome. I could imagine wanting to hear Jorma Kaukonen sing “Genesis.”

Anna DeForest, A Good Exit, a five-part column, The Believer, 2 June 2026 source ↗

Others on this question

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James Lavelle Electronic musician, record label owner and curator
I’d like to be dancing the night away, making love and listening to music. All done with the most amazing bag of weed you can possibly imagine so my last joint is perfect.
Recorded Clash, Swan Song, 13 May 2010 source ↗
Cory Taylor Novelist and screenwriter
I move from my bed in my bedroom, to my sofa here in the living room, and basically I stay here and I'm fed delectables all day and that's about it.
Recorded Richard Fidler, ABC Radio National, bedside interview at her home in Brisbane, 6 July 2016 source ↗
Rob da Bank DJ; co-founder of Bestival
Book all the headliners that I’ve never managed to book for Bestival, for future Bestivals that my children will run after I die. Kate Bush, Prince, Dolly Parton, David Bowie – maybe throw Iron Maiden in there for a bit of a laugh. I’d get on the mobile and stroll around outside and do some deals. Maybe get some of these hard-arse agents to give me a bit of a discount as I’m dying.
Recorded Clash, Swan Song, 18 January 2013 source ↗
Brody Dalle Singer, songwriter and musician
This is so heavy. If I’m never going to see my kids and husband again, it’s to let them know how giantly, massively and crazily I love them. Every ounce of me loves them so deeply, it makes me cry.
Recorded Clash, Swan Song, 9 June 2014 source ↗

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