Death is the termination of the biological functions that define a living organism. It refers both to a particular event and to the condition that results thereby. The true nature of the latter has, for millennia, been a central concern of the world's religious traditions and of philosophical enquiry. Belief in some kind of afterlife or rebirth is a central aspect of many religious traditions.
“If death meant just leaving the stage long enough to change costume and come back as a new character...Would you slow down? Or speed up?” Chuck Palahnuik
“You can shed tears that he is gone,
or you can smile because he has lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that he'll come back,
or you can open your eyes and see all he's left.
Your heart can be empty because you can't see him,
or you can be full of the love you shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember him only that he is gone,
or you can cherish his memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind,
be empty and turn your back.
Or you can do what he'd want:smile, open your eyes, love and go on.”
David Harkins
My neighbour, Robert has come home to die. Yes, I did indeed say die.
On last visit to hospital, he was checked out and told that it would be the last trip he will make in a van to hospital. From now on the world of medicine will come to him. Robert has been placed on Hospice.
It comes as no surprise to Robert, he has been fighting cancer for some time and has outlived the time doctors orginally gave him by many months. His lovely wife, Victoria, has been noble in her care of him but it has reached a point when there is need for more help to make Robert right comfy.
The rest of Robert's days will be in the care of Victoria, surrounded by his memories and the comfort of his trusted companion, Smudgee, the most clever of dogs.
You be 'au fait' with Robert, have told you of before. What a joy it is to meet such a lovely chap. Nary is the day that his full throated laugh makes me feel right good, and there be days am in dire need of a buck up. Robert enjoys a gasp and is always asking if I will join in on one. Or have a cuppa or sit a spell.
So pleased Robert was that Murray brought flowers to hospital, on both our behalf. Truth be told, Kay Properties has made the decision to ensure that fresh flowers are placed in a vase next to his bed for the remainder. What joy is got by allowing a spash of colour to brighten Robert's world.
Robert told me the other day that there be some who have known him longer resent that I have told the whole world of his 'end of days'. Bit hard the truth that is known to all. Perhaps the real reason lies in the fact that many are so very afraid of death. Want to treat it as horrid little secret that must be hidden from view.
What is there to fear when you are facing the end of life with grace and pluck?
“One day your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure its worth watching.”
Truth be told, what with the stories told to by Robert and Victoria, have no doubt that life lived has been chock-full. What a ride, packed with adventure and personal growth. The raising of children and the on-going love match that will be by side till the end. In good and not so good times, Robert has never given up.
Sadly, there be some who cling to the rails of the bed who can make no such claim. Want to treat him as object of pity. Rubbish. I admire Robert and his dealing with his life in a manner that bucks up all round him. At his daily effort to make sure that his lovely wife has many lovely memories to cling to when he has to leave her. Robert shames all round at his dignity in the face of a very hard battle over pain.
All of me life have taken note of personages that have lasting effect upon. Robert be such a person.
“I am ready to meet my Maker. Whether my Maker is prepared for the ordeal of meeting me is another matter.”Winston Churchill
Have no doubt that the laughter of Robert will rock the halls of heaven on the day he shows up.
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