Dying or Dead?
by Harlequin
I read this article on Yahoo! News about “What happens when we die”, and with recent events, it just made me think. As for my atheist and pragmatic perspective, I am inclined to believe that after death our bodies rot and decay just as everything else in the world does. It would be nice to go to some beautiful kingdom of fluffy clouds and pearly gates, or maybe even a boat filled with all the people we know and love (my sister always says “Titanic Heaven” to refer to the last scene in the film) but I can’t buy into that. And even if I did, I would probably be going to hell. It seems as if death has become a sort of Brothers’ Grimm fairy tale that has been edited into a fantasy of happiness. While I tend to maintain the stance that death brings nothing but a rotting flesh and bone playground for worms (hence why I plan on being cremated), I actually find this expectation somewhat comforting. It might not bring the same sense of happiness that a party up in the sky might, but becoming part of the earth over the course of years seems peaceful.
Still, the actual process of dying is one that frightens me. This article is interesting because I have never thought of the biological aspects of dying. My impression of death has been primarily deduced from the metaphysical and spiritual connotation it has. Presenting a rather detached view of death, this study of the objective biological events during the process of dying represent a whole new aspect in scientific endeavors. The concept of “near-death experiences” and “coming back to life” gain more significance with scientific backing. I can’t help but be reminded of Terry Schiavo and the whole debacle that emerged out of her mere existence. Perhaps science can end the debate about life support and brain damage, if people are willing to accept the findings. Would scientific knowledge about death make you feel better about it, either for yourself or for those around you? I wonder if pretty soon we will all know exactly what to expect when we die – and will predicting death be better than waiting and being surprised?
On a similar note, Dollface recently lost someone close to her. My heart goes out to her, and I hope yours do as well…we love you, babe – keep your head up and come home to me soon!
Our condolences to Dollface. Hope she’s doing okay!
I’m so sorry Dollface. My sympathies are with you.
Heartfelt condolences to Dollface. (((hugs)))
I do think that, as a culture, we’ve lost the whole “circle of life” idea of death. Not that anyone looks forward to death, but aside from premature tragedy, we’ve lost any perspective we ever had about it. We no longer revere and appreciate the wisdom of older generations, so we don’t have access to a more natural view of the life cycle.
Regardless of my view of the afterlife (as a Christian, I do believe in heaven. I also think that some of my more fundamental brethren are going to be very, very shocked when they meet some of their heavenly neighbors), my shell, as it were, is going to be cremated. I had a friend once who did an informative speech about the business of dying. Very eye-opening.
Thank you all for your words of sympathy.
thank you all for your support, and thanks for reading…sonya, i agree with you about our culture and death…it seems as if people view death in a narrow sort of way, which explains why people seem to fear it so much. i plan on being cremated too, actually!
-Harlequin
My condolences to Dollface.
If you liked that article, you might find this article on how & why we age interesting:
http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2007/04/30/070430fa_fact_gawande
If only because it does approach the very technical aspects of how our bodies break down yet still manages to be quite moving & sad.