Chapter 21 of Family Memories - Thoughts about dying & what has surprised you most?

How Do You Feel about Dying?

Lorraine: Let’s get it over with… quick!

John: Everyone’s gotta’ die; doesn’t bother me.

Marcella: I have peace about it.

Arlie: I’m sure it’s gonna’ happen.

Denny. It seems to be inevitable. One per customer. Believe we are given a set number of days and a task to accomplish. When it’s over, so are we. I’d rather put it off as long as I can but don’t lose any sleep over it.

Joyce: I believe in reincarnation and have since the early 70’s. I also believe in the Bible and God and Jesus but interpretations can be varied. Sometimes I get weary and think “Carry me on home Lord!”

Dale: As to death, the concept of my biological termination does not particularly bother me. Being agnostic, I feel that I am a bit short of convincing information to support any known theological belief. However, because of several ESP type experiences I have had, I suspect that there is much more to existence than what the five known senses allow for recognition. Interesting to note, the first ESP event occurred about 20 yards from grandpa’s house on Kuhn Street. It rather startled my 12-year-old brain. I hope to hang around long enough to enable my wife’s debilitation to be the least discomfort possible. And maybe a while longer to see that my son’s requirements in debilitation will be met following my demise.

Janie: When it comes, I’ll be ready. I’ve seen people die in nursing homes.

Jimmy: About a year ago, my doctor told me that most people that have what I have, live about 5 years…and I had already done that. I was very upset and cried like a baby. I am afraid of dying and it scares the shit out of me. Anyhow, that night I had a near death experience. Holly and I were living in the travel trailer. I was in bed and started to turn blue. Holly freaked out and ran in the house to get my oxygen lines. She begged God to let me be alright. I was sleeping and in a very bright place. It was very peaceful and I was with people in old British uniforms. My dog started scratching my arm to wake me up but I didn’t want to come back. The dog wouldn’t leave me alone and I finally came to. There was no dog there. I’ve always believed it was God’s way of telling me not to be afraid. When I woke, my fear of dying was gone because I knew there is a better place. My pastor told me God comes in the form of a bright light. I hope you can understand what I’m saying. God works in mysterious ways.

Sue S: It is a scary thought to die because you will miss all the people you care about and think about. As a Christian, I know I will see my loved ones again.

Marlee: When it comes, it comes.

Cindy: I don’t like to think about dying. I don’t do “alone” well and dying is the one thing we have to do by ourselves.

Bill: I truly believe there is a much better place waiting for those who love God. I look forward to seeing my mother again. She died in 1969 when I was 8. There are so many questions I want to ask her, and I look forward to seeing her again. My life, though blessed, has had many obstacles, so dying is an opportunity to be free from heartache, pain, and suffering. I look forward to spending eternity with God.

Mary: The thought of dying somewhat scares me as there are so many things I have not yet done in my life here on earth. I would like to think there is life after death, with a better place to be. I would like to think that my human life is just a holding place, before I get to the good stuff. I would like to believe in reincarnation but then I’m afraid I’ll come back as a bug or something. I just don’t know what to think or believe. I do know, however, that as I get older, I must be getting wiser because the thought of dying scares me less and less.

 

What has surprised you most in your life?

Arlie:  Advancement of computers and technology.

Denny: I’m surprised at how little control over circumstances I’ve had. I thought I was the master of my own destiny when I was much younger.

Joyce: What a mean trick God played on us letting our bodies age before we were ready for it. I still can’t get over the fact I can’t do a lot of the things I used to.

Dale: The abject indifference exhibited by a large segment of society to the Golden Rule.

Janie: How many jobs I’ve been able to land.

Jimmy: How fast life is going by.

Sue S: I was surprised most by my kids. They are so smart and caring. They have given Don and I so much joy.

Marlee: Being diagnosed in January 2000 with MS and then six months later in July, having my husband diagnosed with MS!  What are the chances of that happening? The doctors were surprised. We are the only married couple they know whom both have MS.

Cindy: I think I have surprised myself the most with how wise I have gotten through the years. I can remember thinking that I was so smart and grown up at 18 and even smarter at 25 and 30, but now that I am 41, I feel like I really have come a long ways. I am so wise and hope to get wiser.

Bill:  The wonderful relationship I have with my children. Being divorced petrified me because I thought I would lose a closeness with my children. However, I have been so fortunate to be involved in their lives daily. I love them so much and am so blessed. The greatest surprise of my life has been each day with them.

Mary: That I am able to travel by myself. That people don’t live up to my expectations, however realistic or unrealistic that may be.  That people cheat, lie, and steal. That you can love, get your heart broken and love again.