Here are some of the questions people ask: “Why are you in a hospice?” To die with dignity when I’m supposed to die. When I came here I was supposed to say goodbye to the world in two or three weeks.

“Why you’re still around. I’ve seen you on television and you seem to be very happy. Aren’t you supposed to be sad?”

I’m happy because I’m still here. I never knew how many perks were involved with dying. I have to be honest: I’ve enjoyed every moment of it.

I spend my time on the telephone and socialising with my friends who come here every day at every hour. My mantra is “I’ve put death on hold.” They not only visit me and are very kind, but they also bring me food — cheesecake, shrimp, candy, cookies, and takeout from restaurants. I accept it all, even though I think there’s a lot of guilt involved with people who are worrying that I’m not going to get enough to eat. The more I’ve been interviewed, the more friends show up to visit me.

Some people wrote that they believed in a hereafter, and that they would see their loved ones again in heaven. Other people insisted that the day you die it is all over. In both cases, I figured that funeral homes were the winners.

I’ve always been an upbeat person. It’s the thing that has kept me going all my life. To the many people who wrote to me, I mostly answered like this: “Thanks for your letter.

I’m writing as fast as I can. Love, Art.” — Beliefnet.com (Concluded)