3 Comments

Well said! "Many Americans and Canadians practice denial about death. From their point of view, you don’t talk about death unless and until you only have days left." "But failing to plan is planning to fail; you need to deal with your mortality." The train wreck photo works so well with this. Hey, it is possible the brakes on the train will fail. Then what? Have we planned for that? I am glad you are out of the month of hell. Hurray for feeling better.

Expand full comment

Thank you for this! I am 75 so even with my family history of long, long lives, I am at least 3/4 of the way through my life. Planning is essential. Sometimes my loved ones are not comfortable with that, but you gotta plan. I’m so glad you are feeling better right now.

Expand full comment

I believe we are in denial about death and rarely talk about it because we rarely see it. It's jarring if we don't even know someone is ill and then we read their obituary!

Our ancestors usually died at home after visits by family, church members, neighbours and friends. When the desperately ill are now taken by ambulance into hospitals or nursing homes (mostly for good reasons), we are often removed from experiencing their transition from this earthly life to the next. Hospice (especially in homes) gives family members and friends easier access to be with someone in that "thin place" between earth and heaven (Celtic tradition). I consider it a privilge when I have visited someone in hospice. They have taught me about the process of dying and being with them has made it much easier to let them go.

So hopefully our nations are moving towards a better understanding and acceptance of death and be able to talk about it. Thanks for helping us on the journey, Bill!

Blessings to you as you continue to live your days with joy and purpose. Maria

Expand full comment