Death, very often, is something we are fearful to think about and reluctant to talk much of. Sometimes we even shy away from any topic relating to it, as though by doing so, death would not have any chance to draw itself closer. However, deep down in our hearts, we know very well that all of us inevitably would have to face this eventuality one day though we try to put it off our mind as long as we could.
As a result, we are unprepared emotionally or spiritually and we are caught in great stress and deep grief when "that day" unfortunately or unexpectedly comes.
I remember once my third brother shared with me his view on facing mortality. He said, "To be prepared emotionally and spiritually is important as we age, knowing that death is unavoidable." Preparation? Oh no, I was fearful to think about "death". I shut my mind off any topic relating to it .
But my brother was right, facing mortality is something unavoidable in life.
I remember once my third brother shared with me his view on facing mortality. He said, "To be prepared emotionally and spiritually is important as we age, knowing that death is unavoidable." Preparation? Oh no, I was fearful to think about "death". I shut my mind off any topic relating to it .
But my brother was right, facing mortality is something unavoidable in life.
My seventy six year-old mum had fought hard and undergone some thirty sessions of chemotherapy over last eighteen months. However her scan results today showed the tumors in her liver had increased in size and a new tumor was detected at her bladder too. It's the most dreadful moment. A blow to us and to our most spirited mum who has endured long periods of suffering trying to triumph over her illness.
A topic of fear, a topic of loss of loved ones, "death" is in fact more of a topic of pain to me this moment. As I read emails from my brother and sister discussing about palliative care for my mum, I could not hold back my tears. Facing mortality, whether we like it or not, it is part and parcel of life. I realize as we have embraced life with joy and happiness, we also have to prepare ourselves with strength to accept the reality of mortality.
Don't be taken aback by the word "death" and "mortality". Fear not, by being prepared emotionally and spiritually, we would be able to face mortality more "gracefully" in that we may not be panic such that our emotions run out of control. More importantly, it's only when we are able to face it bravely that we can help our loved ones to spend their last days more happily and meaningfully.
