We are pretty much all in the place where we have fewer years ahead than we have behind us and it is hardly surprising that thoughts about death pop into our minds from time to time. Of course, none of us wants to die a painfully prolonged death, although I suspect some of us will. I profoundly hope I won't and nor will any of those I love. However, what will be will be and there is no point getting into a state about it.
To let the prospect of death impinge heavily on our lives is, I think, foolish. Making the most of the years we have left – especially if we have grandchildren or even great grandchildren – is short-changing both ourselves and them. Let us rejoice that we are 60, 70, 80, 90 and we have people who love and value us. Let us remember that, sad though they may be when they have to say farewell, we shall remain figures in these young people's lives that inform and guide them and that they will inform and guide another generation whom, perhaps we shall never know, shaped by how we were. So let us be the best we have ever been in our lives in our last years so that is what they remember most clearly.
Socially awkward- But .. I'm thinking with Spring just around the corner, and everything preparing to renew itself death seems the perfect subject address- So viable is compassion as a seed that it can be planted any time of the year- And this is one seriously compassionate thread that will benefit all who read it -- especially those in the grips of bereavement-Starmer’s plan to ban under 16’s from social media
A place you know you won’t visit now but would have liked to
Have you got to this stage of life ?
