“Music can be a powerful adjunct to the healing process. And music is one of the safest medicines you'll ever find. You can dose yourself as you please with no worries about toxic side effects.”

“I would not want to live in a universe where good could not ultimately triumph over evil. Or where there was no music. I simply cannot imagine a world without music. It's been said "music is the language of the human soul." Music enlivens us. It injects emotional color. It can lend its energy to help you get better.”

“One reason people find baroque music soothing is that its inherent rhythm of sixty-four to sixty-eight beats per minute is similar to that of a calm, relaxed heart.”

“There's a distinction between telling death reinforce the meaning of life and "living every day as if it were your last." No one can really live that way with out getting locked up. We cannot realistically approach each day as if it were our last. What would you do if you found out you were going to die at the end of this day? Would you do into work? Would you sit and pray_ Would you run around in a panic trying to get out last batch of letters or e-mails? Giving stuff away? I don't know exactly what any of us would do under such circumstances, but it's my guess that it would not feel too comfortable. It would make me feel utterly dejected. I wouldn't know where to turn first.”

“All surgeons fear an operation can go too far, to a point where they become irretrievably lost in aatomical bits and pieces. A limit beyond which Humpty Dumpty can never be put back together - at least, not perfectly. The body can never return to its pristine, original state after we've touched it with our hands.”

“No one accomplishes anything in this life on his or her own. Even when we stare in awe at what might appear to be a solitary feat - like climbing to the top of a mountain alone - there is invisible support. There are loved ones at home who cherish the adventure. A mentor to teach. A colleague with whom the experience can be shared. And unseen magic too.”

“Death becomes the key that unlocks the door where the beauty and meaning of every living moment can be found. If we espouse the goal of becoming "warriors" - individuals who live in full awareness - then we must learn to refine our actions under death's pressing reminder to live now. There can be no "would have done" or "could have done". There is only a desire to be - all in this single moment.”