Letters to the Editor
-
most people
but especially americans, cling too strongly to life. for some, death comes unbidden and too early. for others, death hovers just out of reach - tantalizingly close, but not close enough.
i have personally seen family members die painfully, slowly. though close relations (er, icu doctors) i hear stories almost daily of families that won't let their loved ones pass from this mortal coil. (had to be the first one to use that phrase in this thread - couldn't resist). it is time to revisit our dedication to life at any cost.
life is a gift, not a right, and to each one of us a certain amount is apportioned. the lucky among us will find our end quickly and peacefully. the vast majority of us will die slowly, without grace.
at 41 i don't fear death, only the manner in which it will come to me.