|
I had the traditional western world view of death up until last year. My best friend since we were teenagers died after a long struggle with MS.
Watching someone you care about that the same age as you deteriorate at a rapid pace taught me something incredibly important about how "raging against the dying of the light" can be overrated. Of course you never give up, but as any poker player can tell you it's also a skill to know when to fold.
Since he passed away I have reached a state of peace and understanding about death. As I never received the gift of faith I never had the crutch of an afterlife to calm my fears, but that's OK.
My goal is simply to live right up until I die. This is not facetious, this is a serious goal and something that is not that easy. I'm doing more things that I've been putting off. I'm balancing pleasures with responsibilities better than I have in the past. I no longer hope for a long life (although I'll happily take it!), my sole hope these days along those lines are that I don't outlive my children.
|