The Freedom of Accepting Death

by erynw 53 Replies latest members private

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  *summer*

  (((eryn)))

  Seeing life as a classroom, you just provided me with a MOST precious lesson on life and death. Thank you!!! I will print and keep your words if you don't mind. They may help someone else. As they may help me at the end of my own journey. Wish I had them when I lost my best friend last July...she was SO afraid to die:-(

  Just like Sunspot, I feel a million things to say inside...but I have no way of expressing them with the intensity they deserve.

  So why not simply say...I love you...you are in my thoughts and prayers.

  *summer*
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  Blueblades

  Eryn. Thank you very much for this open heart of yours. Some time ago I read a book by Ernest Becker entitled: The Denial Of Death. One quote said this about the book: "The Denial Of Death is Ernest Becker's brilliant and impassioned answer to the "why" of human existence. In bold contrast to the predominant Freudian school of thought, Becker tackles the problem of the vital lie-------man's refusal to acknowledge his own mortality. In doing so, he sheds new light on the nature of humanity and issues a call to life and its living that still resonates twenty years after its writing. He was a winner of The Pulitzer Prize.

  You don't have to read it. You can Google him if you wish. I came away from it very sad. His conclusion on the finality of death, going into nothingness bothered me. I like to think that something goes on. As you noted, we don't know.

  You have accepted death, and the freedom that comes with it, is yours alone.

  Blueblades
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  momzcrazy

  Eryn,

  You know how much my family and I have come to love you. While we will hate saying goodbye we know somehow you will still be with all who have loved you. And although I haven't met you face to face I feel connected to you. You have a wisdom that I admire. And you have a sense of humour that makes me wet my pants!

  I feel privieged to have known you. And I will miss you horribly.

  I love you more than my luggage!

  momz and family
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  sweetstuff

  Beautiful and truly touching post Eryn. I admire your strength and courage immensely. I watched my best friend die at the age of 26 of colon cancer, what struck me the most was her peace with that fact, I found her strength awe inspiring. While she lived, she had a joy and light that filled every room she entered, she laughed alot, loved alot and it left me changed forever. I learned early that none of us are promised a tomorrow, not even today. It changes how much you hug the ones you love, how often you tell them you love them and most importantly, it makes you savour every moment with an intensity you never will, if you don't face and come to grips with our mortality as human beings.

  I don't know you at all, I've only read your posts, but like my friend who is still in my thoughts and in my heart, your words will stay with me and make me stop to think more carefully everyday about the importance of accepting how fleeting this life is and how precious every moment is. You have touched so many lives with your beautiful spirit. Ones who have never met you, maybe who have just read this post and saw your name for the first time, but who will be forever changed by your words, your peace and your acceptance.

  We all will die, what matters is not when or how, but how we live and love while we are here.

  Huge ((((hugs)))) to you Eryn, for being an example we should all strive to follow.
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  dawg

  I think of all the beauty I've seen, and I don't want to leave the happiness that this life has given me; through all the bull, its been a pretty great ride. Mostly becasue left the org 18 years ago. But I've found the same spirit as you through all this, I'm sort of half Buddhist and Hindu, we are all part of the eternal energy. Your'e right though, we all could be killed in some way tomorrow... so we all kling to this existence knowing the time is short. Each day a gift, each smile a comfort; each fireside provides warmth. Thank goodness I have lived, through it all I have lived.

  Good luck to you, I'll be with you shortly. All of us will.
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  flipper

  ERYN- Thanks for sharing your heart with us, your deep and touching thoughts. It certainly is true that each day is a thing to cherish with what we can accomplish ! You are an inspiration to all of us , sis , in how you approach life, how you approach death, and how you show love to your friends. We wish you peace , bravery, compassion in this difficult time. Sending our love to you, Mr. & Mrs. Flipper Peace out.
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  Guest with Questions

  Dear Eryn:

  I have no words at this time. Your post and the replies really touched me. I don't find talking about death morbid. It does happen to all of us yet I sense that those with incurable illnesses see each day as precious. There was a part of me that avoided your threads though. Maybe because it would bring up too many memories of a loved one who succumbed to cancer. I sometimes think it's worse for those left behind.

  A link that you may find beneficial: http://crazysexycancer.blogspot.com/2007/10/recipe-swaps.html

  I remember you posting on my classical music thread and mentioning that you liked Dvorak: This is for you, one of my favourite pieces. Peace be with you on your eventual journey home.

  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ENf4VEhI40&mode=related&search=
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  erynw

  Thank you all of you for your beautiful replies. Also, thank you for getting the spirit behind my post.

  Your Tombstone will have two dates on it, but it's the dash in the middle that matters the most.
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  *summer*

  No, Eryn...thank YOU!
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  PEC

  ((((((eryn))))))

  You are in my thoughts, just can't manage to put it to words.

  Philip