Reflection on a death in my family

[M R Dux]

I got a call from my Dad a few minutes ago. My Uncle (Dad is the oldest of 3 brothers, this was the middle brother) was working in his yard this morning and fell over stone dead. He was in his late 70s and had lived a good, productive life. He was the father of 4 children and grandfather and great-grandfather. A good, deeply religious man who loved to fish and hunt with his family. His farm joined the Cumberland River. He was a proud US Navy veteran and a retired industrial electrician.

We all go thru this as families. My wife just went thru it with a co-worker and dear friend who had been hoping for a liver transplant for a few months. That poor lady suffered terrible pain for some time.

When my Dad called and told me (Dad is 80), I told him I envied his brother for dying the way he did. Suddenly and painlessly. At first Dad didn't know what to say then said "You know, I feel the exact same way".

Is it wrong to hope when one's time to meet our maker comes that it is like my Uncle's passing? I can't find any reason to wish for anything else.

Sympathy isn't warranted. His funeral will be a celebration of his life. I just hope somebody can find enough good to say about me at my funeral to keep folks occupied for a couple of minutes.

Just a reflection----------------------.

[crp4570]

My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. My father died when he was 57 years of age. Now that i am crowding near that number i too ponder his passing. The anniversary of his homecoming into heaven was this past April 21st.

He was a country boy farmer until God made him a Baptist minister and a man to mold oneself after. He always had a mowing business on the side. On the morning of his passing, he awoke and asked my mother how much it had rained during the night since she was up frying bacon for breakfast. She looked out the window and hollered back at him. Upon not getting an answer she entered the bedroom to find him slumped over beside the bed. In my opinion, God blessed my father with a sudden painless passing into heaven. I cannot imagine a better way than to be in ones bed smelling bacon and talking to ones spouse on breath and the next breath meeting our Lord Jesus Christ.

As I age, and the images I have seen in 28 years of law enforcement and life in general for 50 plus years, I truly understand what a blessing this was.
In my own reflections, if in some way I manage to become half the man my father was there will be individuals to say kind words for my wife and daughter to hear celebrating my passing.....

[LowePro]

Very well said Mr Dux! There will be alot of good things said about you as well from what I hear about ya! Hate you lost a family member but what a blessing it must be to not suffer. We all have our time, and we all know it, its just hard to think about. I pray I don't suffer as well.

[doggone]

Hebrews 13:14
For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come

["G"]

I feel the same way you do Doug. Prayers lifted up for you and your family.

[RetiredRR]

mrdux, I like the way you reflect. Good reflections from some deep thought. Blessings come in different ways. Prayers for your family.

[skeetbum]

Sorry for the loss to the Family. I have often thought of things such as this and desire that way of passing. I guess most folks do. You were blessed with many fond memories, and that is a valuable thing in itself. Celebrating his life instead of mourning his passing probably has him smiling about now. Prayers sent for you and Dad and the rest of the family.

[Tracker22]

The older I get, the more I realize " death isn't so bad".
Sorry for your loss.

[Billbob]

[crappiewisdom]

Good post...good reflections.

I had to watch my Dad die a slow, lingering painful death from cancer. Not a good way for a great man to end his days.
I want my death to come quickly as a complete surprise to me while doing something I enjoy.