Posted by Dinah on November 17, 2006, at 9:00:41
In reply to Re: No cure for life » GeneralSchlong, posted by madeline on November 17, 2006, at 7:24:59
It's funny, but I accepted the dust to dust thing long ago. I know that I too will die, but it doesn't bother me overly much. I've held so many dying dogs, and my father when he was dying. My best friend I didn't hold, but I was there. Nearly everyone I love most is dead, except my husband and son.
And I used to think a lot about how people long ago died so much younger and in greater numbers than now.
And, I don't know. I just grew accepting of it, in some ways. Death brings a lot of pain to those left behind. I know that and I don't minimize it. A day rarely goes by that I don't miss someone I loved. But it's natural, and it's not a terrible thing. Well, it's a terrible thing for a life to be snatched too young and before its time. But death itself doesn't seem too awful.
I had seen so many dogs die over the years that I'd gotten to know the look of dying. That faraway not quite still here look. Like they were divesting themselves of all the things that kept them here and preparing themselves for the business ahead. And I've seen it in a few humans too.
I hope that everyone I have left dies of old age with plenty of time to prepare that way. Heck, I hope they outlive me. I've forbidden my husband to predecease me. It's lonely to be old.
But I don't fear death. Everything that has ever lived has died or is going to die. I figure anything that universal can't be that bad.
Just lonely for those left behind.
That's why it *is* important to enjoy them while you can. I think a lot of times I mourn that as much as their loss. The times I could have spent with them and enjoyed them, but didn't.
poster:Dinah
thread:704427
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20061109/msgs/704505.html