Because when you're lying in a hospital bed with collapsed lungs, on life support, and you have those few (precious) minutes left to (hopefully) enjoy the company of those who love and care for you, it might be nice to be able to reflect, to look at them, and know that you lived a good, honest, life and had fair dealings with others, before you go.
I venture a guess that it matters because death rarely happens quickly, and rarely happens peacefully. In every event I've borne witness to it, in no case did it transpire quickly (or peacefully). Rather, the person departed slowly, and often very painfully, and I suspect had a fair amount of time with which to reflect over their life, and I further suspect one would like to depart with a clear conscience.
On another note, I've noticed quite a few pet death threads on here where all the sympathy in the world is given to those whose pet has departed. I would appreciate it if light were not made of what is currently a serious, and to some, heart-breaking, situation. (Directed at no one in particular.)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Burnin' oil
Why value it? Why make the most of it? Why use your time wisely? What difference does dying at 18 or 95 make to the person that is dead?
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