Perfect Moments (#268)

This is the ideal time to let others know what they mean to us with both our words and actions.

In 2005, Eugene O'Kelly was on top of the world. At 53, he was CEO of the accounting giant KPMG, having worked his way to the top after starting as an assistant accountant in 1972.

O’Kelly was doing what many global CEOs do, traveling around the world, working 80 to 90-hour weeks, and enjoying the life he had built for himself. O’Kelly was type-A and goal-oriented; once, he was so intent on impressing a potential client that he tracked down the contact’s travel schedule, booked the seat next to him on a flight and schmoozed him all the way to Australia. He landed the account and immediately flew back to Manhattan.

Although he traveled for work often, O’Kelly loved his wife and kids dearly. He and his wife had been laying out retirement plans for when he eventually decided to slow down.

Then, suddenly, O’Kelly started experiencing headaches and a loss of control over one side of his face. After a series of medical tests, he learned that he had an inoperable brain tumor and was given less than three months to live. His entire life changed in an instant.