Mortality is the exemplary story of one man’s refusal to cower in the face of the unknown, as well as a searching look at the human predicament. Crisp and vivid, veined throughout with penetrating intelligence, Hitchens’s testament is a courageous and lucid work of literature, an affirmation of the dignity and worth of man.
I really enjoyed reading this book, as he gave an insight to the journey that well-known atheist, Christopher Hitchens was on during the last 18 months of his life. He described in vivid detail, so much of the pain, and agonizing that he went through dealing with esophageal cancer. Losing his voice, (and any of you who have heard him, know that he was an outstanding speaker) and eventually losing other aspects of his bodily functions, Hitchens continued producing his great work and writings almost up until the day of his death.
If you’ve ever had to face “death” head on, it is an experience that shall never forget whether you live through it or not. In January 2015, I underwent emergency open heart surgery for a aortic dissection (of which, 98% of the time is almost instantaneously fatal), spent 2 ½ months in intensive care at the hospital, in which I had a great deal of time to reflect upon my life, but also to start mapping out the rest of the journey.
I think these types of experiences bring us to face our own “mortality”, so if (or I should say when) we find yourself at that point of life’s journey, embrace it to do some of the best work you’ve ever done, to reach out to those who love and care about you and to let them know you love and care about them as well.
Enjoy this fine reading, I’m sure you will enjoy it!
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
