There have been so many comments on my "Dark Side" entry that I want to say a bit more, especially for those who don't go back to check comments on old posts.
Some of the entries indicate that we might be shocked, or that some of the lustre of this beautiful spot may have tarnished somewhat, with the intrusion of death in our compound up here.
I want to assure you that is not the way it is. Maybe because we are "old-now" as Teri would say, I think we see death as pretty darned inevitable (and is it not?) We love life a lot. But all of us are headed south, so to speak.
In fact, that man's sad departure makes us more aware of the beauty of each day that we are given; another day to love the people we love, to glory in nature's bounty, to enjoy breathing in and out, good food in plenty, and sunshine on our shoulder.
I just have to say one thing about suicide, though: we know that people in severe depression and despair think mostly of escaping their pain – and usually feel that everyone would be better off without them. I hope that if I ever reach that point (and who has not feared it could happen to them?) I will be able to hold onto the lifeline of knowledge that I would leave behind people who will have to live not only with sorrow of loss but also with guilt, anger, self-recrimination – and danger of their own falling into the pit of despond. That is not a nice farewell gift, to be sure.
So, although every man's death diminishes me, and I know the bell tolls for me too, I can accept this as part of the package: Life is so beautiful; at least it has been for me, and I'm very, very grateful for every day I've had on this earth.
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2 comments:
This made me a bit weepy! (as Leenie would say) Well-put.
Why is "headed south" a euphemism for decline/disaster/etc.? Don't people know that they have "cake gravy" and "venison bombs" down there?? Heading south is awesome!!
You're right about "headed south" Jimma: when I wrote it I thought, "that's not quite the phrase that's wanted here" but was dashing through the prose, and didn't go back to fix it. When I'm "headed south" from here I'm going to see Poo and Frank, and have good Mexican food and look at gorgeous beach sunsets; not exactly death. (And you reminded me that I want that recipe for Cake Gravy!)
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