For most of human history, there were constant reminders that death was coming. Many babies and mothers died during childbirth. Many warriors died during battles. Many people died of disease without much warning.
Today, death appears less frequently in our lives.
Our great grandparents die of old age. We can survive more diseases more often. Childbirth is less dangerous, and fewer battles result in lots of death.
Don’t get me wrong. Death is still very much a part of our lives. Fear of death still looms large.
But in some ways, we don’t know death quite as well as our ancestors. Hospitals and mortuaries tend to hide it away.
For example, here is my experience with death. When I was a kid, my rabbit died with his eyes open. I didn’t want to believe he was dead. How can animals be dead with open eyes?
Also when I was a kid, my dad’s parents died. Much later, my mom’s parents died. When I was in high school, a girl I knew died in a drunk driving accident. A few of my friends and co-workers have died. I’ve lost a few aunts and uncles.
There is no fountain of youth. Death is still a concern.
However, I have been very fortunate. My parents and siblings are all still alive. My close friends are all still alive. My spouse, my son, and my daughter are all still alive.
Many people I know, like me, have a somewhat limited experience of death. As we grow older, this starts to change. More than I would like.
Leave a Reply