“Death is the wish of some, the relief of many, and the end of all.” (Seneca) I remember how, in 1969, it became OK to talk openly about death and dying. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross had written a best-selling book on that subject and its 5 stages…denial, anger, bargaining, despair, and acceptance. While there were mixed reviews, conversing about death and dying became acceptable. You’ve probably discussed it with family and friends, even recently. ;-) Jack
FROM EDUCATOR PAUL: Well!!! That’s a nice thought to wake up to! It’s like Carl Reiner says, “When you wake up and don’t read your name in the Obit. , have breakfast!”===JACK: Carl was one who knew how to make the subject of death funny. So did Mary Tyler Moore.
Mary Tyler Moore at Chuckles the Clown's Funeral - YouTube
===PAUL: That was one of the funniest moments of TV in its history! One of my absolute favorites.===JACK: One of my favorite songs is Charlie Chaplin's, "Smile."Smile, though your heart is aching Smile, even though it’s breaking
When there are clouds in the sky you’ll get by
If you smile through your fear and sorrow Smile and maybe tomorrow
You’ll see the sun come shining through for you
Light up your face with gladness Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear may be ever so near That’s the time you must keep on trying
Smile what’s the use of crying You’ll find that life is still worthwhile
If you’ll just Smile
FROM TAMPA SHIRL: A friend in California has made all of her arrangements including buying her coffin and flowers and lot. She has made her arrangements with her Greek priest.===JACK: Some people do that in order to take the burden off of the survivors...or if there are no relatives. Others do it, because they want to make sure that certain things (are/are not) done.
FROM FACEBOOK LIZ: odd, isn’t it, that speaking of dying in this way is a relatively recent phenomenon. the most basic & certain of human conditions is still a huge mystery. do you think it always will be?===JACK: I have certainly seen a change in the "conversation" about dying and death. Sometimes the seeming casualness can be a cover-up. But it truly does HURT when a loved one becomes ill...and when a loved one dies. One of the tasks of my work has been to "comfort the afflicted," to show that, even though death is the fate of all, that there is a message of hope in Easter.
===LIZ: you are a blessing!===JACK: We've been through a lot (with only one face-to-face), but somehow we've been able to "communicate." God moves in mysterious ways, sometimes!
FROM A McC: Began volunteering at St. Hugo's in 1971 with Christian service. Became involved in the field of aging and we all were interested in that book. Still guided by the knowledge and information.===JACK: As I recall, you got into the age-caring "business" because of your father-in-law. If there's a crown for you in heaven, it will have many stars.
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