>> I accepted that /I/ would die someday a long time ago. <<
This is a necessary first step. Because you have already done this work, you will be better able to do the work you have in front of you now.
It gets into very delicate, difficult territory. Because when you know Death, you come to realize that there is a certain amount of ... flexibility in it. A point beyond which there is no choice left, but before that, choices; and not choices people in this culture are comfortable with. Sometimes it is better to let go, or to tell someone that it is okay to go, than to prolong suffering when no recovery is possible. The gift of Númenor -- to choose the time of one's departure -- is not a myth, and has gone by many names.
So if you are thinking about someone else's passing, do you want to have a peaceful goodbye, or pick a fight with their cab driver in the parking lot? To make friends with Death is to know that everyone you care about is passing into trusted hands and will be kept safe.
>> But /other people/ especially older relatives who I looked up to and who helped take care of me ... I wasn't ready. I need to /get ready/ so I can /help/. <<
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dancing_serpent
Re: Thank you!
Date: 2017-01-02 03:53 am (UTC)*hugs* Happy to be of service.
>> I accepted that /I/ would die someday a long time ago. <<
This is a necessary first step. Because you have already done this work, you will be better able to do the work you have in front of you now.
It gets into very delicate, difficult territory. Because when you know Death, you come to realize that there is a certain amount of ... flexibility in it. A point beyond which there is no choice left, but before that, choices; and not choices people in this culture are comfortable with. Sometimes it is better to let go, or to tell someone that it is okay to go, than to prolong suffering when no recovery is possible. The gift of Númenor -- to choose the time of one's departure -- is not a myth, and has gone by many names.
So if you are thinking about someone else's passing, do you want to have a peaceful goodbye, or pick a fight with their cab driver in the parking lot? To make friends with Death is to know that everyone you care about is passing into trusted hands and will be kept safe.
>> But /other people/ especially older relatives who I looked up to and who helped take care of me ... I wasn't ready. I need to /get ready/ so I can /help/. <<
This is very wise of you. Thank you for helping.