This seemed to happen with Gord Downie of the Canadian band The Tragically Hip. He was given a diagnosis of terminal brain cancer, but had the energy for a cross-Canada tour a few months later. He was much loved across the country, and though the band’s arena-sellout days were mostly behind them, they blew the doors off with sold out shows at the country’s top venues, culminating in a nationally-televised concert. I’ve always marveled that he got the chance to have this touching denouement to his career, and I’m glad he did. And I’m very thankful that I managed to see them in Vancouver.