One of my greatest fears is old age, assuming that I will live to see old age. When it comes to old age, I like to use the football analogy. In 2008, I'm 63 years young, and I have entered the fourth quarter of my life. The scoreboard clock in the stadium, is ticking down to the two-minute warning, and it shows how much time I have in this game of life, etc.
If there is any fence-mending to be done, or any other issues to be addressed, I want to do it now that I'm fairly young, and not wait until I'm older; when I'm frail; illness sets in; and senile, etc.
"Straighten up your room, and then the world." Jeff Gordon
Most people don't want to talk about death...especially if it's their own death. After I hit the 60 year old mark, I would think about my own death from time to time. But why? All of us are going to "kick the bucket," sooner or later, and we're all going to have to deal with it! So, can I prepare for the inevitable...death? So, what have I done with my life? Have I thrown my life away?
One thing I don't want is a shoulda...coulda...woulda...
and I want little or no regrets! And, I want fences to be mended, and I don't want to be on a guilt trip for anything or for anybody, etc. Will I just sweep the issue of death under the carpet and just let it happen? Or, will I choose to deal with it? I have chosen to deal with it!
Over many months, I have taken notes for this project and article about death. I thought it would help my in dealing with it, by jotting down all the positive things I have accomplished during my lifetime...and that my life has had meaning, etc. Positive things in my life, that have helped others and the things that made a difference in people's lives, etc.
"You don't choose the day you come into the world...and you don't choose the day you leave the world. It's what you do in between, that makes all the difference." Anita Septimus
Below is a short list of a few of my accomplishments during my lifetime that have been important to me. I will add others as time goes by...
My integrity is not negotiable: Along with freedom...my integrity is one of the most important things in my life. I have never cheated or lied my way through life, and I sure don't plan to start now! Leading a good life on Earth is all about your conduct/behavior while you're here. The reader won't see anything on this piece having to do with money; material things; status; power, etc. None of these things matter when you're six feet under! You know the old saying, "You can't take it with you!" But, I definitely plan to take my integrity with me to the grave, when I hang up my sneakers.
Family life: For 19 years, I helped to raise two boys, who went on to graduate from high school and college. Kevin in criminology and Jason in the medical field. They both went on to lead productive lives, and of course I'm proud of both of them.
Veteran: I served my country, during the Viet Nam era, for four years in the U.S. Air Force, and received an honorable discharge.
Substance abuse: This is one of my best accomplishments in my life! I lived through the drug culture of the 1960's and 70's, and I have never taken illegl drugs of any kind in my life! Why would I want to ruin my life? I am perfectly able to ruin my life without the use of drugs, etc.
"Tough Love;" One of my brothers is an alcoholic, and one day he got drunk, and threatened to kill all the family! This was one of the hardest decisions I have had to make, and that was to throw him in jail. It was sheer agony, to see the police put hand-cuffs on him and take him away to put him in jail! But, in the long run, I think it did him some good, to turn his life around! He's doing much better today!
Honesty is the best policy: Like most American's...I've done it all...sweep floors; stuff envelopes; janitorial work; clean hospital wards; wash dishes...and it's all honest work, but most of my life was spent working for an engineering company. I have never been a part of a gang; or the mob; and I have never hurt anyone and I have never been in jail for any reason!
"My business is not to remake myself, but to make the absolute best of what God made." Robert Browning
Quit smoking: I quit smoking in 1970, and it's one of the best things I've done for my health, for my family, and for those around me.
Giving back: Like most American's, I've had my share of life's ups and downs! But, in the over-all picture of things, Old Glory has been good to me and my family, so we must give back. Volunteer work; monetary donations for the less fortunate are all part of the great satisfaction of giving.
"Success has nothing to do with what you gain in life or accomplish. It's all about what you do for others." Danny Thomas
Humor: I count my blessings every day, because I've been given the gift to make people laugh, and I've done it countless times! I've been in the humor business most of my life, and to put a smile on someone's face is so gratifying and I never get tired of it!
"We humans are proof that God has a sense of humor." Scribarbe Bungo
With that...I think a little humor is in order here, don't you think? Merv Griffin was one of my favorite entertainers. I caught one of his shows back in the 1960's, and the conversation was about death, and how he was going to handle it. He told his audience, what he wanted on his grave stone following his death...which was as follows, "We will NOT be coming back after this commerical message!" Isn't that funny?
"I'm not afraid to die...I just don't want to be there when it happens!" Woody Allen
Have you ever thought about what you want on your grave stone. Do you want a grave stone?
"Although no one can make a brand new start...anyone can make a brand new ending." Carl Bard
Writing: Here again, I've been blessed in the short time (two years) I've been writing seriously. in which my pieces have been published on over 400 websites on the Internet! There is no money involved here, as all of my articles (90+) are free content, and the public can have them for free. And, with these writing pieces, I hope to make a difference in some people's lives. I hope to entertain people. In my small way, I hope to inspire and motivate people to reach their dreams and goals, etc. My writing pieces could be my legacy to the world...I certainly hope so!
Religious matters: I think this issue is a private matter, and should be addressed by each individual in their own way.
March 10, 2009; I re-newed my driver's license, and on it, states that I am a donor. Everyone will address this issue in their own way, and I respect everyone's opinion and/or actions in this area, etc.
What to do with a body after death, is an issue that's important to me. I believe that a body after death should go for a useful purpose, and not just waste away. Therefore, I believe that my body (after death) can serve a useful purpose, by donating parts that can help others. What can't be used to help others, can be used for scientific and medical purposes (research, etc.). This would give me comfort that my body is going for something important to help others, etc.
TO BE CONTINUED (2009)...adding to the list of positive accomplishments in the future, etc.
"You live only once, but if you do it right...once is enough!" Mae West
This project has been therapeutic for me, and as I've added more positive things to my list, life has been worthy of living is the first place. What is so interesting and amazing about this project, is the fact that I have less fear of death now...than I did before I started the project! And, I do realize that this point could be difficult for the reader to understand.
I received this email recently...
"I agree with your position regarding
death. Why should we ignore what is a
reality in our lives? Why should we pretend
it will go away or something? I've said these
things a few times. Dealing with it (the
issues) is to face reality." RB
"You cannot do a kindness too soon...for you never know when it will be too late." Ralph Waldo Emerson
Today, (2008) we hear a lot about a celebration of life! And, that's the way I want to go out! I want to celebrate my life...and I want to go out with dignity...and a graceful exit! I will be extremely happy that...if I'm in my death bed...and I'm able to say..."you did good...Jer...you did good!"
Article title: Gift of Life: Become a Donor;
http://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewarticle.asp?id=50017
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Copyright; 2008; Jerry Aragon/The Humor Doctor
Website name; humordoctormd
