‘Your writing has deeply affected me and given me a new perspective’

I stumbled across this piece while drinking my first morning cuppa and contemplating how to spend my day. Elliot, I wanted to let you know that your writing has deeply affected me and given me a new perspective that I hope will inform how I live and how I choose to spend my time. It sounds as though you have reached your own peace with your situation, which is amazing, and that you have somehow found the energy to follow your own advice, and by sharing this with us, you are encouraging us to do likewise. It’s wonderful to hear you reflect on your life and express gratitude for the adventures and the joy you have experienced. I hope that what remains of your journey is full of love, peace and continued enlightenment. andyplint

‘You’ve crystallised what really matters in life, love and kindness’

Dear Elliot, I hope you don’t mind me messaging, but your story broke my heart while at the same time flooding it with light and warmth. You’ve lived a full, meaningful, enlightened life and have insight and wisdom beyond your years. You’ve crystallised what really matters in life, love and kindness. Gratitude for your lovely words. Gratitude for your humility and kindness. And gratitude for your bravery at such an overwhelming time and sharing with us your wonderful message. You bring grace and light to the world Elliot. Your body may be tired but your spirit is so very strong and remarkable. Thank you and safe journey. SCioblhian701

‘Even when you are no longer with us, you will live through everyone you have influenced’

Hi Elliot, my name is Willa and I’m 15. I lost my dad to sarcoma cancer about three years ago. He battled for four years and your articles have helped me understand more of what it was like for him in his final weeks. My dad was in his mid-50s, but you remind me of him so much, maybe its your similar outlook on life or your love to travel. Reading this article has made me feel more connected to him than I have in years. I hope you get to spend as much time as you can with your family. Something I have learned through my father is that you never truly die. Even when you are no longer with us, you will live through everyone you have influenced, and you will be a reminder to them to live their life to the fullest. Thank you for your inspirational words – they, along with you, will not be forgotten. weedanapier

‘As a person much older than you, I am humbled’

Thank you for taking the time to write this. As a person much older than you, who grumbles and complains far too much in spite of having many of life’s blessings, I am humbled and ashamed. May your remaining time with us be joyous. MrWilliam

‘Life is neither fair nor unfair. Life is’

Years ago, I read something, I can’t remember who by, but it has stuck with me. “Life is neither fair nor unfair. Life is.” This has helped me tremendously in my struggles. I was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of breast cancer a year ago and am still undergoing treatment. I prefer to think of it as a question of luck/bad luck. I try never to think that it is “unfair”. I think that would only serve to make me depressed. serac

‘The world has too much beauty and adventure for one person to see’

Thank you for such a profound and honest piece. I found it very reassuring. My brother died of leukemia at 41 last month and I’ve found the notion of him missing out on so much of life that he won’t be able to live to be most heartbreaking. Your point that “the world has too much beauty and adventure for one person to see” is incredibly comforting. It seems so obvious on paper/screen and perhaps makes it slightly more bearable to accept. muxeleored

‘After reading this I know that I will look at life differently’

After reading this I know that I will look at life differently. If that was the purpose of his story, I got it, I profoundly got it. mariaesalinas

‘I remind myself to enjoy the journey because I’m lucky enough to still be on it’

I read your article at the beginning of lockdown and it had a big impact, but although I was deeply moved by your words, the change was the slower kind, that trickles in and takes you by surprise. I found myself thinking of you often during lockdown and wondering how you were doing. At my lowest points (non-Covid related but definitely aggravated) I found myself immensely grateful that I have time to work through things and a renewed impetus to make the most of the time that I have. Having struggled with depression in the past (and it occasionally rears its head in the present) I have often felt that pull of not having done enough because of that but I’m checking myself and reminding myself to enjoy the journey, because I’m lucky enough to still be on it. Thank you. pearlbutton

‘I echo every single graceful word you have said’

I guided my late wife all the way through her dreadful illness, right the way through to her very last breath, which she let out as I lay next to her. I echo every single graceful word you have said. To me, you have prepared yourself beautifully for your final adventure. zelablue