'Right Before I Die' Exhibit At Museum Of Tolerance To Help People Gain New Perspective

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — It is not easy to talk about death. Now, a unique exhibit called "Right Before I Die" at the Museum of Tolerance puts the subject front and center to help the living gain a new perspective on life.

The people featured were all terminally ill. They were asked to reflect on their lives with the help of the Institute for Human Caring that honors the fullness of human life.

"We were impressed, and I continue to be impressed with this sense that these people were living deeply during the time that we would consider them to be dying," said Ira Byock of the Institute for Human Caring.

Local artist Andrew George interviewed and photographed the dying subjects to gain a better understanding of what is most important about life when faced with death.

"I wanted to make a project about wisdom and perspective - something to encourage us to press the pause button throughout life so we can figure out what we're doing and where we're going." George explained.

Among his subjects was Josephina. She died in April from old age. She was 106.

Some of her final thoughts were about life and love, children and family plus regrets, but mostly forgiveness.

"She never talk about hating anybody or hate. She always taught to us be good and be respectful to everybody," said Socorro Heuilar, Josephina's daughter.

The exhibit challenges all of us to look at dying as another stage of living, expand our tolerance and have compassion for those in a vulnerable and final stage of life.

The exhibition continues through Sept. 30.