Death

[Karlifornia]

Death is one of the more interesting facets of life. No matter what experiences you encounter in life, you can be sure you're going to share this one with every other person that has lived. From tycoon to panhandler, from hippie to bigot, from libertarian to communist, from black to white, gay to straight, tall to short, pretty to ugly, we all die. Agreed? Sweet.

Now, how have you dealt with this realization of imminent demise?

Have you even come to terms with it at all?

Do you have a preference between cremation or burial, or something else? And if so, how did you come to this wish?

Have your thoughts about death changed the way you live your life?

What do you think happens after you die?

Are you scared of death?

Have you ever had an epiphany that shaped your thoughts on death?

EDIT: Addendum...if you could live forever, would you?

[Raiders Army]

Originally Posted by Karlifornia

Death is one of the more interesting facets of life. No matter what experiences you encounter in life, you can be sure you're going to share this one with every other person that has lived. From tycoon to panhandler, from hippie to bigot, from libertarian to communist, from black to white, gay to straight, tall to short, pretty to ugly, we all die. Agreed? Sweet.

Experience? Yes. Share with every other person? Not necessarily. After we're dead, are we sure we can share that experience?

Now, how have you dealt with this realization of imminent demise?

I've accepted it as an immutable fact. I strongly believe, however, that there is something after death. What it is I don't know, but my essence will continue on. I've "proven" it to myself by understanding that there is a "me" that remembers everything that I've done before in my life and that there must be a "me" after death to remember what I've done, what I'm doing, and what I will do in the future since I'm self-aware.

Have you even come to terms with it at all?

See above.

Do you have a preference between cremation or burial, or something else? And if so, how did you come to this wish?

We've talked about this this past weekend. Also, in the NY Times yesterday there was an article talking about how cremation has seen a rise due to being cheaper. I don't want an expensive funeral and don't care about my earthly body. Then again, I get a free plot and funeral services at National Military Cemetaries so that ain't a bad deal either.

I'd probably go on the cremation side since it's cheaper.

Have your thoughts about death changed the way you live your life?

Nope.

What do you think happens after you die?

Dunno. I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

Are you scared of death?

Nope. Why be afraid? It's inevitable and you should embrace it.

Have you ever had an epiphany that shaped your thoughts on death?

Not really.

[Karlifornia]

Originally Posted by Raiders Army

Experience? Yes. Share with every other person? Not necessarily. After we're dead, are we sure we can share that experience?

You're completely right. I misspoke, or mistyped, or whatever. There is no shared experience whatsoever when it comes to dying.

[Raiders Army]

Originally Posted by Karlifornia

You're completely right. I misspoke, or mistyped, or whatever. There is no shared experience whatsoever when it comes to dying.

Ah, I didn't take it as a typo. The possibility exists that we'll have a shared experience when it comes to dying if you believe the Christian mythology. I imagine that if that is correct, Abe Lincoln and Ghandi are having a good philosophical debate about death right now.

[Raiders Army]

Originally Posted by Karlifornia

EDIT: Addendum...if you could live forever, would you?

Sure, why not? Really, it's quite romantic to think about the loves you'd lose to aging and your children dying before you, but honestly I think I'd get over it after the first few cycles of my loved ones dying.

[flere-imsaho]

I'd live forever if I could, damn the consequences.

Although I don't look forward to my own death, I look forward even less to the loss of my loved ones.

[Autumn]

Originally Posted by Raiders Army

Sure, why not? Really, it's quite romantic to think about the loves you'd lose to aging and your children dying before you, but honestly I think I'd get over it after the first few cycles of my loved ones dying.

I agree with you. Maybe it would be miserable and heartbreaking, but if someone gave me the chance I'd snatch it without a second thought. I can't think of much cooler than that.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I'm pretty sure that death is going to be the end without any payoff........or it will be somewhat like a surprise ending of a movie where no one had conceptualized what actually happens. Somewhat like a M. Night Shamalyan (sp) movie. Hopefully it's one of his good surprise endings.

[King of New York]

I've no idea what, if anything, happens to us after we die. I would like to think that I have come to terms with death, but I cannot really know whether that's true or not until it is time for The Big Ride. I suspect that nothing happens and it's lights out, but maybe I will be pleasantly surprised.

I am all for cremation. Saves money, and there's no reason to take up more space than necessary.

Living forever as a 20-year-old, yes. As a 90-year-old, no.

[DeToxRox]

Now, how have you dealt with this realization of imminent demise?

Nope. Why waste time thinking about what could happen? I could also win a million dollars tomorrow. Obviously we all die sometime, but to think about it is especially counterproductive.

Have you even come to terms with it at all?

Yes. It's like those movies they sell in vending machines. 3 bucks gets you one viewing then it's erased. Shead no tears, just enjoy the show.

Do you have a preference between cremation or burial, or something else? And if so, how did you come to this wish?

Cremation. Burn me up and put those ashes in people I never liked yards.

Have your thoughts about death changed the way you live your life?

No. Once you let death permiate your thoughts you basically become a walking zombie anyway. It'd be one thing if not everyone died, and you had to be like "WTF, why is it happening to me?" but in this instance, we all die, so it's not some crazy thing. It happens and you deal.

What do you think happens after you die?

A couple people celebrate, and someone hides the weapon.

Are you scared of death?

No. I'm more scared of not enjoying the time I'm here.

Have you ever had an epiphany that shaped your thoughts on death?

Meeting you.

EDIT: Addendum...if you could live forever, would you?

No. I don't want to be the last one left in a Zombie uprising.

[Domna]

Hey, I am new on here and came across this topic and couldn't resist. I am wvufan's fiance'.

Now, how have you dealt with this realization of imminent demise?

The question is does anybody deal with a realization of that magnitude? In a case such as death it represents the one unreachable unknown left to humanity that we cannot solve. We, as is human nature, tend to fear the unknown. Looking back though history there are extreme cases to prove the fear of the unknown. The shining example of this (to the christian world) is the crucifixion of Christ. We fear and then destroy. So how is this different from death? We have no way to destroy it yet we still try...

Have you even come to terms with it at all?

On another hand, to comfort ourselves we create stories or legends of acts or items that allow one to cheat death. So is this our way of "coming to terms"? We accept it as a fact of our existence, yet do we ever accept it? No, I don't believe we do. It is the same with the idea of something that is infinite. We can attempt to wrap our minds around the concept and never reach that point of understanding that we crave. So how is it that one comes to terms with something that they cannot even understand?

Do you have a preference between cremation or burial, or something else? And if so, how did you come to this wish?

Personally I would like to be cremated. I came to this decision because it is more practical and (as far as expenses are concerned) is better for my family that I will be leaving behind.

Have your thoughts about death changed the way you live your life?

I can honestly say that I am aware of death, though I do not allow it to rule my decisions or the choices I make. However any person who claims that death has not changed the way they live their life... would be lying. Through any action or inaction that is made by a being affects those around them. Cause and effect. Even death itself is an action which causes an effect. We shape our decisions based on our experiences and those of the ones we love. Our decisions effect the way we live our life, therefore death effects the way everyone lives their life (no matter how minimal).

What do you think happens after you die?

No clue.

Are you scared of death?

Death itself does not scare me. It is the way we die that holds the terror. Who has no fear of how they will die? To be burned alive, be eaten alive by cancer, to drown, or to realize that the one with you in the car accident is long gone while you yourself also slip away? Is that not the scary part? If I had a choice I would rather go in my sleep or surrounded by my family.

Have you ever had an epiphany that shaped your thoughts on death?

Not any that didn't come to me from simple observation of people in general and their reactions to something said on the topic.

EDIT: Addendum...if you could live forever, would you?

Now that is worse than death could ever be...

[TCY Junkie]

Originally Posted by Karlifornia

Death is one of the more interesting facets of life. we all die. Agreed? Sweet.

Sure

Originally Posted by Karlifornia

Now, how have you dealt with this realization of imminent demise?

One day you're eating food and everything seems regular and maybe the next day shit ain't happening.

Originally Posted by Karlifornia

Have you even come to terms with it at all?

I'm fine with it 97 percent of the time. Last night I thought about my mom talking to me for the last time and I was fucking pissed.

Originally Posted by Karlifornia

Do you have a preference between cremation or burial, or something else? And if so, how did you come to this wish?

I'll be dead, do whatever is cheapest. Leave me in the basement with my Big-Ums for all I care.

Originally Posted by Karlifornia

Have your thoughts about death changed the way you live your life?

Sure, what the hell is the point of reading if all that information you gained will be wasted when you die. How the hell do you people read and post so many damn post.

Originally Posted by Karlifornia

What do you think happens after you die?

A nurse shows up and says I can't get him up. I have thing for nurses.

Originally Posted by Karlifornia

Are you scared of death?

Nope

Originally Posted by Karlifornia

Have you ever had an epiphany that shaped your thoughts on death?

When I was very young my dad told me I was going to hell if I didn't become saved. Scared the living crap out of me. But now that I have peace with death, it really set a strong foundation for my life. Many people walk around aimlessly and act like they know what is happening and a few know they don't know anything and act aimlessly.

[Cringer]

Burn me up and dump the ashes out, I don't care if it's the dump. There is no need for my body to be of any concern of hassle to anyone, in any form. Though it would be cool if someone dumped some of me on Lambeau Filed for me.

My only problem with death is that I have children. I enjoy life, don't get me wrong on that. The fact I have a daughter and a son on the way is the main driving force to stay alive though, because I know my death would have a negative impact on their life and I want to make their life as good as possible. If it wasn't for kids, I would not mind dying tomorrow or 100 years from now. Although if it were tomorrow there might be lots of blood and pain involved so that would be the less desirable way to go.

[WVUFAN]

I'm not necessarily afraid of dying, but rather what I had accomplished in life before I died. The only times I'm afraid of dying is when I think I've not done what I wanted to do before I go.

Maybe I should create my own bucket list.

I do wonder what other's reactions would be if I died. Someone once said that the best gauge of your life is the number of people who mourn your death.

[MikeVic]

Welcome wvufan's fiance.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Welcome MikeVic.

[DeToxRox]

Originally Posted by Pumpy Tudors

Welcome MikeVic.

Welcome ColinWhite.

[TCY Junkie]

I had an interesting conversation with my 11 year old autistic neighbor that involved death. I said hi and he came out from behind the bushes with some hand clippers. He said he was looking for lizards, I had flash back of last year when I cut a lizard in half when I was trimming some bushes with the electric trimmers. He paused and then got real excited as he stated I like to clip them a couple times, he demonstrated as he spoke because he got so excited, behind the neck and watch the trauma. I was not expecting the word trauma from him, it was something different. I think I'll ask him what he is doing every time I see him instead of just saying hi.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Originally Posted by DeToxRox

Welcome ColinWhite.

Welcome kiss my ass.

[DeToxRox]

Originally Posted by TCY Junkie

I had an interesting conversation with my 11 year old autistic neighbor that involved death. I said hi and he came out from behind the bushes with some hand clippers. He said he was looking for lizards, I had flash back of last year when I cut a lizard in half when I was trimming some bushes with the electric trimmers. He paused and then got real excited as he stated I like to clip them a couple times, he demonstrated as he spoke because he got so excited, behind the neck and watch the trauma. I was not expecting the word trauma from him, it was something different. I think I'll ask him what he is doing every time I see him instead of just saying hi.

You're still here?

[TCY Junkie]

Yeah, his parents only let him have access to BB guns and his aim isn't good enough to kill yet. Seriously, I hope they don't let him play with them anymore since he shot my mom in the neck a little over a year ago.

[rowech]

I think about death way too much. Probably on a daily basis...even more of late because of my friend's suicide in November. As I grow older, I find the idea of dying doesn't bother me as much. The idea of dying before I'm old does. Before I have kids, before I live retired life for a while, etc. I think there comes a point in time for everyone where you would simply get tired of life. It just becomes too much and even if there's nothing on the other side, so be it.

It's funny this thread is here now as I've been thinking about a lot of this stuff lately...questioning my faith, looking for answers, etc.

[rowech]

Originally Posted by Raiders Army

I've "proven" it to myself by understanding that there is a "me" that remembers everything that I've done before in my life and that there must be a "me" after death to remember what I've done, what I'm doing, and what I will do in the future since I'm self-aware.

Then why can't your remember the past before you were before? If you are really eternal as you're saying, would your "me" not remember the part before you were born if it can remember the part after you are dead.

[RendeR]

Now, how have you dealt with this realization of imminent demise?
Acceptance

Have you even come to terms with it at all?
Yes

Do you have a preference between cremation or burial, or something else? And if so, how did you come to this wish?
I will be cremated and taken out onto a body of open water far enough to not see land in any direction and cast into the winds. I refuse to be buried in the ground. Its demeaning. I refuse to be kept on a shelf, its humiliating to my memory to be turned into a trophy.

Have your thoughts about death changed the way you live your life?
Yes, I worry about a lot less than most people.

What do you think happens after you die?
I don't know and I don't care, I'll be dead so nothing in this life matters in relation to whatever comes next.

Are you scared of death?
No.

Have you ever had an epiphany that shaped your thoughts on death?
Yes. No matter how prepared we are, how careful we are or how circumspect we become about how we live our lives and what we do on a daily basis we still have no control over our moment of death. We will die when we're intended to die. Death comes. Period.

EDIT: Addendum...if you could live forever, would you?
It depends. If you could live a normal vital life, yes, if you could not enjoy said life then no.

[Raiders Army]

Originally Posted by rowech

Then why can't your remember the past before you were before? If you are really eternal as you're saying, would your "me" not remember the part before you were born if it can remember the part after you are dead.

I remember everything from the point at which I was created. I'm not saying I was eternal and always will be, but that I was created as "me" and will continue on as "me" after death. As to whether the afterlife will be eternal I don't know. I would hazard a guess that it isn't, but I guess we'll find out eventually.

[ColtCrazy]

Now, how have you dealt with this realization of imminent demise?

On some level, yes, I mostly deal with things as they come.

Have you even come to terms with it at all?

Yes.

Do you have a preference between cremation or burial, or something else? And if so, how did you come to this wish?

My wife knows I want to be cremated and my ashes scattered around 4 particular places on Earth.

Have your thoughts about death changed the way you live your life?

I'm not sure if death itself has made me this way, but I generally try not to worry about stuff much. Life's too short to worry about the small stuff...I usually let it all ride, or hope I live long enough for revenge.

What do you think happens after you die?

Lots of my former students will throw the party of all parties.

Are you scared of death?

I only hope that I live long enough to see my children grow up, and that they live long enough to do the same for theirs.

Have you ever had an epiphany that shaped your thoughts on death?

Not really.


EDIT: Addendum...if you could live forever, would you?

If I could regenerate my body like Dr. Who, then yes I would. I would have no trouble with living forever. I might actually get to live to see all the kinks worked out of Madden 2174.

[cougarfreak]

I hope I know it's coming. I want to tell my wife and kids I love them, and I want them to be the last vision I have, and the last thought going through my mind.