Continue reading »]]> Last night, I had a conversation that got me thinking – really thinking.  I was talking with an individual (we’ll call him Ken) about how his grandfather was passing away, and how it was good that his grandfather was home and was resting in peace and quiet.  As I was making the point that it was good that he was not in pain and was resting, I was greatly challenged by the Ken’s response.  He said he wished he wasn’t resting in peace and quiet.  I was confused, as this was a completely radical thought to me.

Ken’s point was that it was very difficult because his grandfather was resting in peace and quiet.  Because of this Ken wasn’t able to talk to him or interact with his otherwise very strong grandfather.  He wanted to be able to communicate and interact with his grandfather.  The more I thought about his position, the more it contrasted with my position, and the more it contrasted, the more I began to realize I don’t necessarily want to die in peace and quiet.

Yes, I’d like to die peacefully and without pain.  However, Ken has a point.  I don’t think I want to die quietly.  I want to die loudly, living life to the fullest.  To me, that means spending my last days, and hours interacting with those around me.  I want to be able to share my last moments laughing, crying, and reflecting with my family and friends.  While rest is important, in my true last days, I’d rather sacrifice the rest for time with family and friends.  Now, I know that it’s a luxury to decide how and when I’ll die.  That’s not the point.  The point is I want to live my life to the fullest right to the end.

Simply put: when I die, I want to die peacefully and loud!