Quote:
Originally Posted by motion
Patrick's thread really put me in a somber mood and compelled me to think about what it would be like to be surrounded by loved ones when you go. Will they be crying, lamenting your passing, or happy and joyful, celebrating your life? What compels your loved ones to have the reaction they have? Is it what you've done with your life? I've spent my life dreading dying, and it is in my thoughts every day, for better or worse. I try to extract every last ounce of life while I have it, but of course, I am always going to fall short. I guess all I've really learned is to focus on what matters, and discard the rest. The endless pursuit is trying to figure out what really matters.
Just rambling... I hate death and am completely terrified at the thought of leaving this world, and the company of the people I love.
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i think it is the culture that is fostered within the family and by the person that is dying. there are other considerations, of course: how the person died, at what age, sudden, drawn out, tragic, accepted, etc.
the mood of my family, and myself, when my grandmother died was very different than when my 20 year old sister died, unexpectedly, suddenly, and selfishly. my grandmother was a loving person that loved life and embraced her reward. my sister was unhappy, entitled, and vengeful. she had good qualities, too, and i loved her more than any of my other siblings.
anyway, introspection rubs off.
my two cents. YMMV.