Life and Death

Well, I have already blown the NaBloMo. But I can’t be too hard on myself. After all, I started a day late; so, in all honestly, I started the blog blown.
But last week was a very hard week. I had a stomach virus and another friend died.
Actually, the last couple of weeks have been rather tough.
In the past month I have had my Associate Pastor and two friends die. The first two were expected. Although dreaded might have been more appropriate.
Fr. Giacosa was diagnosed with pancreatic Cancer in August. He was given two to three months to live and he lived for two and a half of those months. And fortunately, I do mean he lived. He had parties and entertained until the last two weeks of his life. Then, he spent his final days with family and close friends.
Another recent loss was of a wonderful older woman named Minnie. When her daughter faced a difficult patch, she came out of retirement to move in with the family and help with the children. That’s how I met her. She was diagnosed with lung cancer a little over a year ago. She fought hard, and for awhile, I thought she was going to beat it. But that was not to be.
Then last week, Ricky died. I knew him through his twin sister Vicky. It was quite unexpected. His wife just woke up to find him dead in bed next to her. They still don’t have all the results yet.
You know, sometimes people sit around and talk about how they want to go. My father has often said that he wants to die just like his father: in his sleep after a big party. But I have never really been one to dwell on such things. I figure I don’t know the day or time, and I don’t really enjoy speculating on it. The truth is, I’m Catholic, so I do have certain ideas and hopes for the afterlife. But I also have long term plans for my life.
Basically, I have life insurance and a retirement plan.
Is that so wrong?
Plus, I just don’t like to dwell on the moment of transition from this life to the next.