“Aanhin pa ang damo, kung patay na ang kabayo?” —Tagalog Proverb meaning what is grass good for, if the horse is already dead? Memento mori is a Latin phrase meaning ‘remember you must die’. When I reflect on my experiences as a paramedic, I understand that death is something everyone will face; it is inevitable. Regardless of our preferences, it will arrive for each one of us. While I was grappling with PTSD, I noted some insights in my journals that I would like to share today...

I bought this book hoping to get more insight into what Philip has to share with his audience. Having known him for 17 years, I've had the privilege of witnessing personal growth and career advancement up close. On several occasions, I walked alongside him - quite literally - traversing the cold, wintry wilderness of Manitoba during our hunting trips. I listened to his stories by the fire, never realizing that beneath the surface, he was already quietly carrying the weight of work-related PTSD. Reading 55 Things Learned at 55 was an eye-opening experience. Through his reflections, I gained a deeper understanding of his life before Canada - his roots in the Philippines and his journeys through Thailand. His memoir offers readers not just a list of life lessons, but a glimpse into the battles and breakthroughs that shaped those lessons. Philip's writing is sincere, humble, and often profound. Whether you know him personally or are meeting him for the first time through these pages, you'll find wisdom, vulnerability, and a voice that invites you to pause and reflect on your life journey. This book isn't just a collection of things he learned- it's a gift of perspective from someone who has walked through darkness and still chooses light. Mark Salangsang An old-time friend and hunting buddy

I applaud Philip for this fascinating, funny, and heartwarming memoir. His bravery in confronting his daily challenges and proactively managing his PTSD, ensuring it wouldn’t negatively impact his family, is truly inspiring. Congratulations on a wonderful book, Philip. Dr Michele Matter EMS Medical Director 2005-2016, Physician Emeritus Awardee 2025

“This book outlines that life is a journey with purpose, a purpose which initially we don’t realize we were undertaking. Unaware, yet somehow we can feel that it is deeply rooted in our being, thus making us restless seekers and players of life. It may not be a single grand achievement that matters most, but the exploring, experiencing, learning, and evolving along the way. It may be slow moving journey forward, but it is the movement that counts the most.” -Dr. Jeneth Jao-Habacon, MD, Obstetrics-Gynecology

“Excellent book! The hardships, accomplishments, and goals are all there. An inspiring read to everyone; and meaningful to any EMS provider. Well done Philip!” -Dave Mcmullen, 40-year career Flight Nurse, Lifeflight/STARS/Trauma flight

Lesson 23 from the book, 55 Things Learned at 55, with ISBN 978-1-03-832671-3 "Valhalla" Content warning: This section contains graphic descriptions of scenes I encountered during my paramedic work, as well as discussions of suicide. “Everything declines after reaching perfection, therefore let no man be beguiled by the sweetness of a pleasant life.” —Abu al-Baqa Al-Rundi (1204-1285) He said in a defeated voice, “I want to die already.” He looked jaundiced and he smelt of death. I asked “What’s hurting in you?” He looked at me with his sunken eyes and knew then he was aware of and oriented to who he was, where he was, and his time. His time to call it quits. KAPUT! He was connected to two bags—a foley catheter inserted for urine drainage and a colostomy for bowel excretion. This gentleman, over seventy years old and residing near Winnipeg, Manitoba, was dealt a rough hand. He was battling cancer in its final stages, nearing the end of his life. Game over. End of story. Kaput! Cancer is a disease that brings unfairness not only to those afflicted but also to their loved ones. After twelve years as a first responder, this is one illness that I dread most and feel is unjust to those who suffer from it. Surrounded by his family on his deathbed, many of whom had swollen eyelids and puffy eyes, they pleaded, “Can you please take him to the hospital? We don’t want our father to die here, as it will create sorrowful memories.” Some things are easier to say than to do. His wife cried quietly, seeming to be the most grounded person in the room, as if she had come to terms with the reality that his suffering and hers were drawing to a close. Some argue that wishing for someone’s death is unkind, but I truly disagree. Especially given what I witnessed that day in that dreary and dark place filled with the scent of death. I’m not proud to admit that I frequently enter a home and am instantly confronted by the overwhelming smell of death. EUTHANASIA The Pope in the Vatican has consistently opposed the practice of euthanasia, citing Moses' sixth commandment: You shall not kill. However, I believe this should not apply to terminally ill individuals seeking to alleviate their suffering. Taking a human life is not a civilized approach for society; nonetheless, we should consider the act thoughtfully for the purpose of alleviating pain. Throughout my extensive experience as a first responder, I have observed that few things cause as much severe suffering as stage four cancer. The pain associated with cancer, as I have witnessed over more than a decade of my work, is both cruel and unjust. As someone raised in the Roman Catholic faith, I adhere to the tenets of my religion regarding the sanctity of life. We must first evaluate whether enduring a terminal illness can still be deemed a “life” for those affected. Is it necessary to prolong their suffering? Medically-assisted death has the potential to enhance the quality of life in the world and may become widely accepted in many countries over the next decade. It can alleviate the suffering of both the patient and their loved ones. Medically-assisted death is not about ending a life, but rather about restoring dignity to life.

“Aanhin pa ang damo, kung patay na ang kabayo?” —Tagalog Proverb meaning what is grass good for, if the horse is already dead? Memento mori is a Latin phrase meaning ‘remember you must die’. When I reflect on my experiences as a paramedic, I understand that death is something everyone will face; it is inevitable. Regardless of our preferences, it will arrive for each one of us. While I was grappling with PTSD, I noted some insights in my journals that I would like to share today. THOU SHALL NOT READ Spoiler alert: If you are someone who is sensitive to topics surrounding death, I suggest you skip ahead for your own well-being. I’m sharing this in the hope that future first responders—like paramedics, dispatchers, firefighters, police officers, and other courageous support personnel—might gain some insight from it. In one of Plato’s dialogues, the character of Socrates claims that one aim of engaging in philosophy is to prepare for dying and death. The insights I’ve formulated during my work are drawn solely from my own experiences, safeguarded like treasures, untouched by negative influences. None of this content was sourced from books; everything comes from my own heartfelt reflections. KINDS OF DEATH I've encountered various forms of death; one of them is physical death, which occurs naturally when the heart ceases to beat and breathing stops. The other type is the death of the self, which can happen before the physical body dies. I know someone in the Philippines who passed away in his 50s, but he lived until sixty-four due to injuries sustained from a car accident. His first death occurred when his close family abandoned him for reasons that I find hard to comprehend. He could have recovered, but sadly, he never did. At one point, he even experienced a mental breakdown, and I witnessed his suffering firsthand. His story will be featured in my next book, aptly named ‘56’. In my profession, I come across many individuals like this sorrowful man. While many of us bounce back after setbacks, some do not. Proverbs 24:16 states, ‘For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again, but the wicked shall fall by calamity’. My personal takeaway from this is to act ethically, even when no one is watching. Numerous individuals I've cared for dread death as if it were something sinister. Yet, it is not! It shouldn't be viewed that way because, as I mentioned, it is inevitable. Keep in mind that the fear of death often outweighs death itself. Jay Shetty, in his book Think Like a Monk, states, “Fear does not stop death; it stops you from truly living.” On the other hand, a fortunate few who do not fear death embrace it as a blessing. The elderly patient featured in episode #23, ‘Valhalla’, is one such individual. Living with stage four cancer, he confronted death head-on, which I consider one of the most commendable displays I've witnessed as a medic! He faced death boldly, like a true warrior! When I finally took off my metaphorical horse-blinders at the age of forty-one during my paramedic training, I began to understand the deeper meaning behind my role. It helped me grasp the complexities of suffering and mortality. The core message of this reflection is that death is not as complicated as it's often perceived. The sooner we accept the reality of death, the more we can appreciate the experiences of life. One important lesson I've learned from witnessing numerous deaths is that embracing the inevitability of death enhances my enjoyment of life. I’ve become acutely aware that we all face mortality someday. Remember, everyone must eventually die.

19. Hawksbill Turtles Suffer in Silence, from the book 55 Things Learned at 55, now available at Canadian and U.S. bookstores, and online, with ISBN 978-1-03-832671-3. Available in hard copy, soft cover, e-book, and soon, the audiobook. Lesson 19 is about a typical day of teaching diving in Pattaya, Thailand in 2008. Diving is supposed to be a fun activity, but hey, look but don't touch! “For most of history, man has had nature to survive; in this century, he is beginning to realize that, to survive, he must protect it.” —Jacques-Yves Cousteau Content advise: All the names in this video were changed. This was my last dive for the day; And Cherepaka nearly lost its way. "As divers, we don’t utilize hawksbills for turtle-surfing," I remarked while making the hand signal for a 'cherepakha' (Russian for turtle) — both palms oriented towards the boat's rubberized floor, laid on top of one another, with both thumbs mimicking a turtle swimming. LEAVE THEM ALONE “Please refrain from touching them. They are my friends,” I expressed while gazing into each of their eyes. It was a typical non-peak season dive with only four divers to accompany that day. As the final dive of the day, it was the shallowest, reaching a depth of approximately fourteen meters according to the Suunto Stinger. “Don’t touch the cherepakha!” I urged again. “Our next dive will be at the island named Koh Sak.” I gestured towards a previous sketch on the whiteboard next to the plate of rambutan and bright yellow lakatan bananas. This sketch also included the larger island Koh Larn, located about five minutes south of Koh Sak. On the side of the map were details about the maximum depth, maximum time, points of interest, navigation plan, marine life to watch out for, and the descent/ascent procedure. About ten minutes into the dive, we encountered a sizable hawksbill turtle resting above a large table coral among soft Antipatharian corals and squirrelfish. It was situated close to a bend where the current typically flows strongly, though that afternoon was oddly calm. However, the presence of red gorgonian sea fan corals, which only thrive in strong currents, revealed otherwise. At a depth of around twelve meters, I was taken aback when Olga suddenly sped past me and moved toward the resting turtle. Dmitri and Natalya, the other divers, looked on with disappointment. Not far behind her bubbles was Stanislav, who quickly glanced at me through his Scubapro mask before following her to prevent her from approaching the unaware turtle. Not only did Olga touch the turtle, but she also placed both of her ungloved hands on its side and pretended to use it like a DPV, or a diver propulsion vehicle. The poor turtle flailed its limbs helplessly. I caught up with her and signaled for her to stop. After expelling a large burst of bubbles from her Mares regulator, she released the turtle, which quickly swam to the surface in need of air. Turtles require air just like humans, and their respiratory systems are not designed for extended submersion, unlike those of whale sharks. Back on the boat, I maintained a serious demeanor and made an effort not to express my frustration. “You not only touched the turtle, but you also came close to harming it! We divers have a responsibility to protect these hawksbill and occasional green turtles because no one else will!” Sadly, the larger Green turtles are not as frequently seen now, unlike their smaller counterparts, the Hawksbills, whose “beak” resembles that of a large Peregrine falcon and continues to thrive in Pattaya, where their numbers remain robust. When I began my diving journey in 2001 on the small island of Koh Tao, Thailand, these creatures quickly became my beloved companions. Known locally as “Tao,” the hawksbill turtles in Pattaya endure their suffering quietly. This was in the year 2008. A valuable lesson here is to be mindful divers to the underwater realm. Please be sure to practice proper etiquette. One doesn't visit someone’s home to harm the hosts, unless there is a clear intent to do so. What's your position on turtle surfing? Is it humane to touch turtles to play with and get amused by? Please give your feedback below. We'd like to hear your thoughts. *** For more about this subject, visit the website, philiphabacon.com, to watch short videos from the book, 55 Things Learned at 55. The book is now available at Canadian and U.S. bookstores, and online, with ISBN 978-1-03-832671-3. Available in hard copy, soft cover, e-book, and soon, the audiobook.