DEATH, THE FINAL FRONTIER

“Death and dying are the most serious questions we will ever ponder.” Greg made this profound statement in his sermon this morning which made me decide to write this short article. (Not to worry, Greg, don’t think I’ll steal the thunder of any of your future blogs.)

I don’t profess knowing much about anything and would never try to explain the concept of death, but it does make you stop and wonder about this convoluted topic. There are television shows that deal with the subject such as Touched by an Angel and Ghost Whisperer. People broadcast their near-death revelations about seeing white lights, bright lights at the end of a tunnel, or talking to loved ones who have long passed. Not sure what I believe, and who am I to say otherwise?

Carl had what I would call many near-death experiences. He had numerous diabetic reactions over our 17½ years of marriage, with many blood sugar readings not even registering on the paramedics’ glucometer (below 20). That old saying--a cat with nine lives--comes to mind, but with Carl it actually was more like several cats’ worth. After one episodic incident, Carl said he saw those lights and his mother waiting for him. JoAda died two years prior to Carl’s death. It was very real to Carl, and now I’m remembering that this was one of Carl’s last reactions. Kind of spooky.

Everyone must have had at least a passing thought about death. Maybe even what it would feel like to know you are dying. My aunt knows she doesn’t have long to live, but has been long ready to meet her maker. Although still in a stage of denial that anything was wrong, have a feeling Carl knew life would be limited especially after being told his kidneys were failing and would be starting dialysis with a possible kidney transplant. A special person I knew was in so much heartache (I believe a health issue), he decided to end his life with pesticide and had a change of heart, but not soon enough.

I’ve contemplated the issue a time or two. Would not be devastated to learn I had a terminal illness or the dreaded “C word” and although you may think it terrible for me to say, don’t know if I would go through the struggle to try and fight it. All I know is that I need to be ready for whatever happens.