Health@Heart
Death and Mortality
DEATH is a subject we, mortals, subconsciously and consciously avoid talking about. Perhaps it is only natural that universally we shun from this topic because we want positive thoughts on our mind and would rather talk about birth and life, instead of its end. Besides, the “D” word suggests an absence or a loss that is irreversible and permanent, something we are not comfortable with. Even the connotations of dying are associated with many negative emotions, like fear, sadness, grief, hopelessness, and even anger among some individuals, wondering “Why me? Or, Why at this time?”
To those sorrowful loved ones left behind, there is that sense of desperation and emptiness that will long remain a void never to really be filled even with the passage of time. The pain and tears following the passing of a loved one are indeed so intense as to leave an indelible scar on our mind and a vacuum in our heart. We are all somewhat diminished with the passing of a family member, a friend, or anyone, including a loyal pet.
Those, indeed, might be enough reasons for us, who are not immortal, to prefer not to dwell on the matter of death, in spite of it being an inescapable reality and its inevitability a natural part of the life cycle.
But not everything about death is negative. As Francis Bacon said “It is as natural to die as to be born…” When the normal aging process has given individuals the great privilege of living to a “ripe old age,” and the ravages of arthritis, dementia, and other common ailments among the elderly have robbed the seniors of comfort, the joy of living a purposeful life and the ability to help feed and care for themselves, and when self-respect and dignity are almost gone, nature takes over and provides the kindness and compassion that only death could tenderly offer.
Or, when people are suffering and bed-ridden from an incurable disease in its terminal stage, like in cancer, especially young children, and have nothing but constant unbearable pain and suffering day and night, breaking the heart of their loved ones, death becomes sacred and heaven-sent, providing the needed relief, comfort, rest, and eternal peace. This tenderness also goes true when we express our care and compassion for our pets.
And of course, history is replete with heroic acts of courage, and love of country, freedom, democracy, justice, equality and dignity, where death was a nobler choice and more sacred than life without a country, without liberty and honor, for countless heroes of the past and of the present. Such immortal words and lines as Patrick Henry’s “Give me liberty or give me death,” Jose Rizal’s “Mi ultimo adios,” Ninoy Aquino’s “The Filipino is worth dying for,” and many others, only poignantly show that there are worse alternatives than death.
To those of us who believe in an everlasting life after death, our departure from this world ushers in a new beginning, a “rebirth,” a better life, in a greater world fuller than life, grander and more majestic than ours on earth.
Death is a natural phenomenon that comes with the package called life. How we treasure that gift, how we live and lead that life, will decide our relevance to society, and reflect the significance of our life and the meaning of our death. Instead of wasting our time worrying about death, we must concentrate on life as an enjoyable journey and achieve its purpose, which is happiness. William Hazlitt wrote on the Love of Life: “Our repugnance to death increases in proportion to our consciousness of having lived in vain.”
Mortality, with its finality, is also an inspiration, a challenge, and a positive reminder that leaving this world after this life is not a tragedy but that dying without significance, without making a difference, without leaving behind a good legacy, is. Death, in this sense, encourages us to be the best we can be, to love and to enjoy life to the fullest each and every day, to do the greatest good to the most, especially to our suffering fellowmen, and to make this world a better place than we found it. To leave good indelible footprints of our sacred journey on this earth is to achieve immortality, and bequeath to the future generation “our little contribution” to humanity, something that our children and their children, could cherish and be truly proud of.
The fact that life is so fragile and could end instantly, anytime, anywhere, also enhances our consciousness about the value of a healthy lifestyle in achieving our maximum longevity potential. While death is eventually inevitable, a reality we cannot escape and must graciously accept, it is but natural for those who enjoy living with their loves ones on this planet to want to hang around for as long as possible and “savor life’s overflowing cup, and every second we have left.” What we should fear is not death, but a life unexamined and one not well-lived for the good of mankind.
All the wonderful mortals who relish the gift of life in their every conscious moment, who often look up to heavens with gratitude and appreciation, and who have truly done their honest best, can live each day and face the future with greater peace on their mind and solace in their heart, that death will someday plan to visit, not as a thief in the night, but as a good old loving friend. And hopefully, one with Alzheimer’s and not find its way to us. (Please visit www.FUN8888.com. Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com)
