Living, Leaving, Dying, Parting (生离死别) VI

I haven't really thought about death/dying so much. Maybe because I took living for granted, that this act of breathing in and out would continue at least for the next few decades for me. I'm being optimistic because barring unforseen circumstances like accidents and death due to misadventure and unnatural causes, a human's lifespan in sunny little Singapore these days should reach 80 years or so. Sometimes, I may say "Who knows, I may die tomorrow?" But of course, I don't expect myself to really die suddenly or unexpectedly. I still expect myself to be alive and kicking. If I really die suddenly like in an accident, then I will definitely die a regretful ghost for the people I left behind and the things undone.

Death is really depressing. Really. Whether it's your own death or the death of someone you know. It makes life meaningless. Why do we persist in our efforts when impending doom looms near? What can you do when you know you are going to die?

My near brushes with death certainly scared the living daylights out of me. I don't want to die so soon. There are still many things I want to do, that I haven't done.

In the face of death, everything else takes second place. No one will be angry with you when they know you are dying. In fact, they will feel sorry for you. You can practically get away with a lot of things. "Afterall, he's going to die" they say.

生离死别 is part of life, part of our human and humane existence. But why, oh why, can't I accept that no one is immortal? A sense of melancholy tinged with despair fills me when I think of death. I wonder if the death of a physical body or of the mind-Alzheimer's can cause the death of the heart. Will you, who are close to me feel a part of your heart die with my death?

Since we are all going to die someday, what is the legacy you are going to leave behind?