The Difference between Accepting Death and Mourning Life.

Tweet

A discussion on surviving things led me to some thoughts that ranged far afield, so I thought I would give them a discussion of their own. During a certain point in my life, I thought I had accepted death. My health was very bad, and I counted myself "ready" to move on. I spent my days essentially waiting for this death, despite the fact that I had an exciting new freedom to celebrate, a wonderful partner, and some very amazing friends. In fact, I spent so much time thinking about my impoending doom that finally my wonderful partner said to me "You're not accepting death, you're mourning life." And then it happened. For the first time ever, I realized that I hadn't accepted death at all. I had merely given up on life. It might seem like a small distinction, but it's a very important one. Since that time, many things have happened, and while I still might die at any time, I've lived far longer than expected. I've married that wonderful partner of mine, had a child, held various jobs, made new friends, been part of charity work, social justice efforts, and generally done my best to celebrate life rather than mourning it. So can I say I have accepted death still? Absolutely. It may come for me whenever it chooses, and I will be ready for it. But in the meantime, I've got a life to live. Anyone else have any thoughts on the issue?