It has surprised me that It's not fear of death, but fear of the path to it -- degenerative disease -- that marks my later years.
That may be because I'm over 80. Partly death has become a familiar neighbor, although my own health is fine. But so has debility, suffered in so many ways by my friends. I'm afraid I may have given you something more to fear, but I hope not. The world in spite of its horrors is also still full of glory.
Thankyou Virginia for taking me back to some early memories of my own including watching one of my grandfather's friends standing over his open casked saying, "Julian Julian, you're so lucky"!
I love cemeteries for their quiet, the engravings on the stones, the memories. At the same time, I agree with Kathy Glennon below that I imagine cremation as a better alternative when my time comes.. I seem to like burial for everybody else.
The title notwithstanding, this is a gentle reflection on death. Much on our minds at these considerable ages. But I especially appreciated the way you also brought out the difference in the way a child observes and tries to process it all. Thank you.
Thank you for this beautiful piece. You reminded me of my first significant encounter with death, which was when my cousin, who was younger than I was, died of brain cancer. The whole thing was shocking to me as a child as I had never considered that young people could die.
I realize I have reached a nearly similar age….and while aging has its drawbacks, as is noted, it beats the alternative. While I don’t like the concept of burial and am leaning more toward cremation with a ‘scattering’ at a place of my choice I do wonder that it robs others ( if they care) of the remembering that comes with visiting older graveyards. Where do we go when we need to remember?
It has surprised me that It's not fear of death, but fear of the path to it -- degenerative disease -- that marks my later years.
That may be because I'm over 80. Partly death has become a familiar neighbor, although my own health is fine. But so has debility, suffered in so many ways by my friends. I'm afraid I may have given you something more to fear, but I hope not. The world in spite of its horrors is also still full of glory.
Beautifully written story!
David beat me to the compliment ! Well done Ginny xo
What a beautifully written post. So honest! Thank you Virginia.
Thankyou Virginia for taking me back to some early memories of my own including watching one of my grandfather's friends standing over his open casked saying, "Julian Julian, you're so lucky"!
I love cemeteries for their quiet, the engravings on the stones, the memories. At the same time, I agree with Kathy Glennon below that I imagine cremation as a better alternative when my time comes.. I seem to like burial for everybody else.
The title notwithstanding, this is a gentle reflection on death. Much on our minds at these considerable ages. But I especially appreciated the way you also brought out the difference in the way a child observes and tries to process it all. Thank you.
Been there, done that, and i don’t wish to have a chat with Mark Twain either… at least not yet!
Getting old is definitely not for sissies. I too love the hugs from grandchildren and other family. It beats the alternative every time.
Brilliant Ginny thank you ! 72? HA nothing compared to 82 !!😍
Thank you for this beautiful piece. You reminded me of my first significant encounter with death, which was when my cousin, who was younger than I was, died of brain cancer. The whole thing was shocking to me as a child as I had never considered that young people could die.
What a magnificent piece of writing; I wept.
That means a lot coming from you.
What a wonderful story. I wish I could have shared it with my mother.
So relatable and so well written. Thank you.
Moving reflections, thank you!
Mark Twain actually did not say or write those words which were attributed to him in 2006, long after his death. https://quoteinvestigator.com/2024/02/19/no-terrors/
Oops!
I check Quote Investigator a lot because the stuff that's on Goodreads and everywhere else is usually unattributed.
I realize I have reached a nearly similar age….and while aging has its drawbacks, as is noted, it beats the alternative. While I don’t like the concept of burial and am leaning more toward cremation with a ‘scattering’ at a place of my choice I do wonder that it robs others ( if they care) of the remembering that comes with visiting older graveyards. Where do we go when we need to remember?
Such a good point.