People say that life is a precious gift. Etiquette says its bad manners to return a gift, and religious people say its terrible to return this one.
she feels so frustrated, because he had tried a few times in the last few weeks, but she wasn't able to get help for him anywhere. Possibly it was muddled because he had chronic health problems as well, and some people focussed on those instead of the suicide attempts, thinking if they could help his health, then the suicide attempts would stop. It was a terribly stressful time for both of them, both of them looking for help, while he was trying to go without hurting her, and she was trying to keep him here.
I found myself quite conflicted. Having been to the edge before, I think you should have the choice to end it all, and if there had been euthanasia, his passing would have been loving and peaceful, rather than secretive and stressful.
I also know that if you can make it through, life goes on. So its important to keep trying.
But everyone dies of something, illness or accident. A few more years alive is important, but I don't think its the end-all-or-be-all. I guess it depends on what you want to spend it on.
I just met a man who has fought cancer 3 times in the last 5 years. He has plans to be around for many more years. Living is obviously very important to him!
I'd like to find out how to make it easier for people to accept death. in some cultures, it is not the end of the world like it is here. I guess i'll start incorperating some of those into my family's life, so they'll be a bit more prepared. Or at least, they'll hopefully have some coping methods.
Oh. I'm so sorry for your friend, and for you. It's extremely traumatic to be so close to someone who commits suicide.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I've been close to that edge before. And I understand that, when you're thinking about it, it is completely unselfish.
But right now I'm still struggling with a dear dear friend who has been seriously depressed for 11 months now. She's so exhausted. She's so miserable and can only see one way to end everyone's suffering.
Having "fought" my own battles with cancer and depression, and survived, I am able to be positive when I am with her.
But when I'm away from her, I knowthat I would forgive her completely for finding her own escape.
I don't know that there is much that makes it easier to accept death in certain cultures. I think its' life experience that counts. And the culture of grieving that makes it appear as though death is "accepted" more easily than in our own cultures.
*sigh*
For the people left behind, any death feels like the end of the world.
xxx
Thanks, Fe.
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