Is the process of death, part of life's experience? (Kennedy, independent, lobby)
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If you could, would you wish to escape the experience of the process of death, dying? Assisted suicide? Or do you think the process of dying is natural and should be experienced?
I am terminally ill, neurological illness that will progress over the next 3-4 years. When I was first told I would not have a lengthy life span, it rocked my world with fear. But as some time has passed, I no longer fear my death and in some unusual way, welcome the experience. I can't say I look forward to it, but am curious about the process and what happens just after it. This is amazing to me and I can't help that think the human mind is preconditioned to accept death once the point of no return has been passed. I used to lay awake at night thinking of death and fearing it, before I was even sick. Now that its here and there is no turning back, I have no fear at all. I can't explain it. We saw it with Ted Kennedy, Patrick Swayze, who ultimately came to terms and found acceptance and peace in their demise.
Those that are against the "right to die" always argue that death is part of life's experience and that many positive aspects can be attributed to the process of death. While I personally support the idea that if someone is suffering from a terminal illness with no chance for recovery, that they should indeed have the right to end it, I also agree with the argument that death is part of life's experience.
I think the process of being torn apart by lions and hyenas is part of the Impala process of death, but I doubt that there is much of a lobby in support of savoring the experience.
Interesting question. I guess I see death as a part of life. We sure aren't here forever. Having had my grandfather live with me and passed at almost 92 and was with my mom at 84 when she passed I saw it as a peaceful event. I guess I believe in a here after so I guess I'm not afraid. I think most people struggle with who they leave behind. My grandkids are my life right now and they just tug on my heartstrings. I'm glad you are not fearful at this point....
I think the process of being torn apart by lions and hyenas is part of the Impala process of death, but I doubt that there is much of a lobby in support of savoring the experience.
Actually if you read stories by those who were attcked by wild beasts, and lived to tell, they reach a point where they accepted their fate. People on planes that crash and live, speak of a sense of acceptance and peace.
I think there is a difference between an accidental death, instant, versus an illness and some time between realization and actual death.
My point is, that once you know for sure, its there, I think the human mind adapts and accepts it. Perhaps it is a built in mechanism of the brain.
Thoughts to the OP regarding serious illness and being thoughtful about the whole business.
I think death is, by definition, an inevitable part of life, after all, it's the one constant we all share. As others have pointed out, many people don't have the experience of knowing they have a specific limited time with a specific illness leading to death.
I personally feel that, if I had the kind of medical info the OP had, I'd make my own decision. Experiencing "the process of dying" is not a requirement of death being part of life. We all die. I personally believe in rational suicide, because I don't have any interest in experiencing severe suffering and/or a certain level of compromise in independent life (I'm thinking ALS, Huntington's, and other things that can cause one to know death is coming but when?)
I worked in hospice for two years, and I occasionally do hospice-type work with Alzheimer's patients. I see no personal value in suffering, going down for the count long and slow, losing what makes a person himself/herself. Of course, there are compromises as time goes on, due to age or illness. Some people have a religious belief that they *should* endure whatever is going on until they happen to die. (Of course, these same people often take part in whatever curative/preventative measures there are available, do not accept an unmediated death until they have to).
If I am faced with such a situation, I expect to set up a rational suicide plan and go through with it while I still can and when/if my life is unacceptable to me. I do not have any spiritual/religious beliefs against this.
I take my hat off to the OP who is facing this very real situation and sharing thoughts and listening to others. Few questions are as important.
I feel everything we do in life, is just to prepare us for our death. to die with a smile on ones face, would be an indicator of a happy fulfilling life well spent. But to die, clutching at damp sheets, in fear, would tell me the person has unfinished work here.
I feel everything we do in life, is just to prepare us for our death. to die with a smile on ones face, would be an indicator of a happy fulfilling life well spent. But to die, clutching at damp sheets, in fear, would tell me the person has unfinished work here.
I can't say I've lived a perfect life, but all in all, I think I've done much good. I don't have any major regrets, but some minor ones for sure. I've never turned away a person in need of help. I've always put my needs second to the loved ones around me, I've helped the homeless, took in foster kids a few times, volunteered more then my fair share. I was faithful to my now ex-wife and family and always respected my parents and authority, but held my right to protest wrongs, I suppose.
I think my personal regrets are the typical classic ones. Like wishing I had spent more time with family, realizing there is more to life then work, appreciating the smaller, meaningful things in life more. Stuff like that. But I can say with a straight face, I've been good to my fellow man and always tried to do what's right.
Now I sit and wonder what's on the other side? Blackness and void, or something so grand it will blow my mind?
Its definitely part of the experience. Life begins with birth and ends with death...taxes in between, you know the rest. All of us will die but most of us go around on a day to day basis not realizing that. Its almost like most people are living in some type of sureal dream. I have heard from a lot of people who developed terminal illnesses (like AIDS) that they were happier than before and almost consider it a blessing in that they have time to prepare everything because they can accurately predict when they will die. I can understand that viewpoint.
I can also relate to some of that from having near death experiences myself a few times. One thing I came to realize so far is that the less you feel you have here, on earth left in the material plane, the easier it is for you to really know yourself and see things/people for what/who they really are. People who are wrapped up in things like ambitions, money, and acting as if they'll live forever will never truly understand peace or happiness. A few years of real happiness and being at peace are better than living an entire life in fear and materialism...regardless of what awaits us in the afterlife. Use your time left wisely.
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