How may of us are preparing to die alone?

[PaulB47]

I just remembered a little article I wrote bearing on this:

A Use for Old People, by Paul Bonneau

 

[11Charlie]

Well shoot I can't say that I have even thought about it. I would have to say that its not up to me how, why or when I go and who I'm with when it happens. Life is unpredictable and it is all in gods hands. When it's my time it's my time.

 

[Oathkeeper1775]

OP please take the time to ponder the term "alone"?

There are 7+billion people on the planet...... I suppose the proximity of other people comes down to our expectations.

Very few people or things can escape the geosphere...our molecules are basically stuck here in this universe for the foreseeable and distant future.

The last time I looked at the W.H.O. estimate on mortality; 150,000+ people die on the planet every day. We are being recycled as with all organic and inorganic materials.

There were many times in my life where the situations I was in that would have made it completely-impossible for my family to find my body; let alone be with me at that big moment.....

Life can be a humbling experience eh? Having been a platoon sergeant for the last 12 years of my 24 year career; I went through a BIG "slowdown" when I retired. Not being able to understand the civilian culture was a definite road block to finding peace; I still don't, but it's OK.

Mid 50s and I'm not ready! I have a bunch of expensive legal paperwork to start and finish on behalf of my family before I head to the "check out line". I need to pay off the house and land too; try to leave the grandchildren (and theirs) with a small piece of privacy..

I built and recorded a family cemetery on my woodlot; most of the details are complete except for a permanent fence and "occupancy". Digging out the large fir stumps was a PITA and a blessing (good exercise).

If being alone while living is the concern; get out there and meet people. It's as simple as that; be the solution!

Buy a range membership; it worked for me..... we shoot every Monday; there are 3 old-timers and I have 2 or 3 regular guests. We have a blast. Those old timers know their stuff about firearms and they seem to enjoy sharing their knowledge.

Lastly; find the ever lasting love of the Lord! Being able to see the love that is built into the Gospel of Grace, is in itself a blessing.

Grace brushes off all forms of guilt, condemnation, and fear.

Reiterate: Be the Solution!

 

[JRuby]

We have all been dealt a hand partially by our own choosing and partially by fate. What we do with our time on this planet has a lot to with how we view things. I can become so opinionated that no one wants me to be around or I can be respectful others opinions I don't agree with. Each of us must decide what is important. I realize not everyone is my friend but those I feel who are worth my time I am more lenient towards.
The act of dieing should be done alone in my eyes. I do not want to see people crying when I pass onto the next adventure. I would like to think that my friends will celebrate the old times. I am not afraid of death but I do not look forward to the process

 

[maddog]

Okay then Cap, this thread reminds me of some statements made by a Shawnee chief, Tecumseh.

"So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart. Trouble no one about their religion; respect others in their view, and demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long and its purpose in the service of your people. Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide. Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, even a stranger, when in a lonely place. Show respect to all people and grovel to none. When you arise in the morning give thanks for the food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself. Abuse no one and no thing, for abuse turns the wise ones to fools and robs the spirit of its vision. When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with the fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way. Sing your death song and die like a hero going home."

– Chief Tecumseh, Shawnee Nation

Something to ponder.
Vet to vet.

 

[Oathkeeper1775]

Just facing reality, kids. When you see your entire family die alone and spend well over 98% of your time isolated from others (due to being single and having a particular distaste for the today's Socialist/Leftist leanings) one tends to remove themselves from the irritation of said influences. You have plenty of time to wonder about it. Celebrities that are younger than yourself are passing away, looking old before their time. The Holiday season(s) come and go without much thought. Time keeps sliding by.

Most of society's "social circles" revolve around the extreme element in our world and I'm not ready to sit down and die. My faith prohibits me from joining the Elks and other such organizations and my current financial situation doesn't allow for much going out.

Most of my fellow veteran's are in their late 60's and many are in their 70's. I am still in decent physical condition and not ready to hang around the "senior center" listening to stories of days gone by and watch people running around in light brown Velcro shoes putting together picture puzzles and chatting about grandchildren (of which I have none). Thes things don't lend themselves to much "glad handing".

You can only watch so much of the tube and the computer. Walking 1 1/4 miles to the library in the rain and cold isn't enjoyable and I have no interest in televised sports. There's plenty of time for contemplation.

Facing reality is just that... nothing more.

Be the Solution sir!

I had a slightly similar issue (being in my mid 50s) so I bought into a range membership; lo and behold, there are three older fellas who shoot every Monday and I have my regular 2 or 3 guests. We have a blast (pun intended). The older fellas really know their stuff about firearms and other things. They seem to enjoy sharing their knowledge as much as I enjoy soaking it up like a sponge.

Be the Solution Sir!

 

[NWGlockgal]

I'm just reading the tea leaves. And don't want Captain O to hurt himself or suffer.

I agree with you. Some of Captain O's posts seem a bit depressed.
We don't want to see anything happen to you Captain O.

As far as being alone for dying, I probably will be. Widow, no kids, no family around.
Wouldn't want my friends to be there.
I don't think it's a big deal to be alone at the end.

 

[etrain16]

One thing I see consistently in this thread is that folks are, perhaps due to their concern over the well being of a fellow forum member, one who most, if not all, haven't met in person. Perhaps their views on how to do this differ, some quite a bit from other's ideas, but express concern nonetheless. The OP has chosen to share some profound and unfortunate events in his life, events that have shaped the man he is today, events that shape the choices he makes and will make into the future. For my part, I find sadness in this story and have a hard time not wanting to offer some way to help, some way to bring solace. But in this format they are just words and mean about as much as they are worth, yet we are still compelled to share them with a fellow human.

I don't know you CaptainO, but I do have hope that you find perhaps more happiness than you currently have, that something will bring you perhaps more peace than you've had in a while, regardless of how that peace comes to you.

 

[teflon6string]

I want to die when I'm 90, shot by a jealous husband.

 

[Captain O]

I have simply stopped living in "fantasy land". Peace is always an "elusive butterfly" and always will be. I haven't had peace in years, but this isn't really anyone's concern.

We all come into this world kicking, screaming and covered in someone else's blood. It is too bad I couldn't exit life this way.

 

[etrain16]

Peace is always an "elusive butterfly" and always will be. I haven't had peace in years, but this isn't really anyone's concern.

Well, to be blunt, when you pose questions such as the one that started this thread, it kind of invites people to opine on such things. Such is the way of the forum. I for one am glad to see some folks that care enough to share their thoughts, whether welcome or not. I'd be more concerned if your OP was asked and no one cared enough to respond.

 

[Captain O]

Posing thought-provoking questions should be seen as that... thought provoking. In the event that someone else finds themselves under similar circumstances, perhaps it would make them analyze their position.

 

[Medic!]

Well, to be blunt, when you pose questions such as the one that started this thread, it kind of invites people to opine on such things. Such is the way of the forum. I for one am glad to see some folks that care enough to share their thoughts, whether welcome or not. I'd be more concerned if your OP was asked and no one cared enough to respond.

Better a wound from a friend.
Than a kiss from your enemy.

 

[HuckleberryFun]

I will not die alone. The Voices keep me company.

 

[etrain16]

Posing thought-provoking questions should be seen as that... thought provoking. In the event that someone else finds themselves under similar circumstances, perhaps it would make them analyze their position.

True. For many though, their thoughts and concerns will naturally extend beyond themselves. I find that to be, generally, a good thing about my fellow humans. Not all will appreciate that, some will.

 

[JRuby]

I will not die alone. The Voices keep me company.

I scared mine away they said they were never coming back. Something about too scary of a place to hang out.

 

[HuckleberryFun]

I scared mine away they said they were never coming back. Something about too scary of a place to hang out.

When you scare away the Voices you know you're a bad azz.

 

[etrain16]

When you scare away the Voices you know you're a bad azz.

Mine are speaking Chinese, my voices need a translator

 

[Captain O]

Mine are speaking Chinese, my voices need a translator

Force them to share their Kung Pao Shrimp!

 

[Andy54Hawken]

When you scare away the Voices you know you're a bad azz.

My invisible friend doesn't even like me ... not sure if I'm a bad azz or in big trouble...
Sometimes that's a fine line between bad azzdom and big trouble.
Andy