Monday, March 23, 2009

Concening Death:

My neighbor Doc died the other day, right after I finished my breakfast.

Three ambulances and a firetruck were parked outside when I opened the door to quiet the dog. I stood and watched for a minute before returning inside: We had been wondering when he would pass away for years.
The news came in form of a phone call: He had passed away earlier that day, apparently peacefully. The cause: Brain Cancer.

The last time I saw Doc was in the post office where he held the door for me and three other people. "Come on through!" he said as he waived his hand inside the building. I don't think he recognized me. Normally Doc was a grumpy guy, rarely smiling. It wasn't unusual for he and his wife to complain to the HOA about our house. You know how old people get.

Docs passing got me thinking:
Although I felt no remorse, and little sympathy towards his wife, I still wondered at his passing. Its amazing how hard people will cling to life sometimes. Its even more amazing how quickly your life can be taken. It seems to me that those who cling have something to fear, weather its the fear of passing on, or leaving something behind, the hold on with dear life prompting people to ask "Why wont they just die already?"

I have concluded that this isn't the way to live my life. I dont want to have regrets, and when its my time, I just want to go peacefully - not hving a desire to stay here any longer. Perhaps Ill just take my last walk, and never return.

I just wonder if there was anyone holding the door for him on he other side, smiling and saying "Come on through!"