Actor John Ritter died suddenly from a heart disease on September 11, 2003, at the age of 54. But he continues, as he did in life, to reach out...
What was the meaning of your life and how would you sum it up?
I feel that my life is summed up like this: I did my best to be a source of love to my family and friends and when I messed up I knew it and tried to go back and fix it. That’s all that ever mattered in my life. Not the accolades, not the press, not the fame or money. Although those things brought wonderful people into my life as well, and I would not be the same without having met them. They are wonderful to me and I am glad for the forces of God that brought them into my life. What I did once they were there was up to me, and I did the best I could. That’s all any of us can ever do. Just the best we can do, and that’s what I tried to do. I feel pretty satisfied that I did a good job at it. You can always do better, but I feel good that I left love behind.
What do you understand from your perspective there that you didn’t see from here?
Many, many things. Even in my attempts to be the best person I could be, there were still things that tripped me up and that I didn’t see clearly until almost the end. It’s hard to explain but when you get here, there are things you just understand better. Like the way that we all fit together and how love is such a uniter with us. Feeling negatively tears into the bond, but sending and sharing love strengthens it again. Nothing is a lost cause. There is always a chance for reparations, and people should know that. There is always time. Even if you have to get here to see what’s happening and how things really are, you still have the chance to fix a situation. Because life is forever and there is always a chance to do better.
What advice do you have for us?
Feel love every chance you get. If you have a choice between anger and forgiveness, bitterness and restitution, take the latter. Take it with all you’ve got, because nothing comes of the anger and bitterness and sorrow. It’s all your choice. Let go of your pride and your pain and just love with everything you’ve got. You will be so much better off for it.
Were you surprised with the way that you passed?
I was ready to go, even though I didn’t know it consciously. My spirit had done what it came here to do and was content and happy with the results. I can’t say more than that about it, really. There’s never a perfect time to leave. Someone will always miss you, God willing, and wish they had another day with you, but I had made amends where I needed to, my Amy and my kids knew I loved them very much and I had completed what I was here to do. What is left to them is part of their life plans. And they will be fine. There is only a moment between here and when they will join me. Only a very short moment for anyone. Make the very best of it.
