2 discussion responses

Vic Mes – Discussion Response

Fight - I chose this word because I think of humanity's desire to fight or evade death. We continue to improve technology and therapy to improve our chances of longevity and quality of life. I think of our technological advancements in biotechnology and our constant progress in healthcare treatments. I tend to think we, as a species, have an ultimate goal to extend life as far as possible with the possibility of evading death entirely. We will always fight when we can until we are ready to move on. Death will be something that I will fight if I feel I'm not ready but there are circumstances where I may embrace it.

Perspective - I feel perspective is as unique as each one of us and find the perspective of terminal people to be very interesting. The complexities of why 2 people in the same terminal scenarios can have completely different perspectives fascinates me. Reading stories of peoples positivity in the face of brutal conditions impresses me and inspires me to try and stay positive in adverse situations. I feel that my perspective will be largely linked to my "wholeness" which I describe in my next term.

Wholeness - I'm not sure if this is the most accurate word but I am trying to describe the idea that a person feels like they are content or happy with the course of their life. If they feel they stuck to their principles or took risks when they thought they were necessary they may feel they lived a good life. I know I will contemplate how my life was lived and whether I feel pleased with my decisions. I feel "whole" with who I chose to be my spouse and with my beautiful son. This feeling may even be described as satisfaction.

Kat Owen – Discussion Response

The three words that first came to my mind when I think of the word death are Sadness, Peace and Heaven.  The sadness that can overcome the ones left behind can be devastating and life changing. Especially when the death is sudden. To have someone taken unexpectedly is very hard for some people to accept. I believe it can make the grieving process that much harder. I experienced this with my father who had a major stroke. Although he did not die till 4 days later, it was still very difficult. It was hard to get back to a normal life without him and to come to terms with the fact he was perfectly fine and then he was gone. The sadness I felt was very overwhelming! I have also witnessed my step-father’s death that was drawn out and he lingered in a comatose state for weeks. Although I was devastated when he passed, a part of me was happy because he was finally at peace and with his lord. This brings me to my third word. Heaven. I firmly believe there is a better place for us all when we pass. The thought of heaven gives many people peace with the thought of dying. When I think about dying and “not existing” anymore it makes me very anxious. But knowing that I will go to heaven and be with my father and other loved ones again lowers that anxiety. It also brings me peace knowing that I have so many loved ones looking over me. I have felt my father’s presence so many times since he died and no matter what I am going through at the time, I always feel better knowing he is my angel.