On Death and Dying

Today, I received word that a good and respected friend died suddenly, leaving a wife and family who are mourning his passing and will miss him greatly. So sad, yet endearing . . .
And in the recent past I have learned of a friend who is nearing death due to a brain tumor and how through it all that his dear wife is standing by him, caring for him with deep caring and love. So sad, yet endearing . . .
I know that in both cases there has been a heavy burden to bear. One in dealing with a sudden and unexpected death, and the other in caring for a loved one who everyday becomes a little more invalid, needing constant care. Yet, it is a care which is accompanied by a deep and abiding love. An unselfish love. An eternal love. And this too is endearing . . .
I'm not looking forward to death or dying and I certainly don't want to be a burden or a stone around anyones neck, so I promise to go quickly when the time comes. And if I were to end up with a terminal disease, I would do my best to either end it all or simply sever ties and disappear so as not to be a burden to anyone. Sad? I suppose that depends. Endearing? Perhaps, especially if there is no deep and abiding, caring love. I would just hate to be a burden. Now, I suppose that this might seem like a real "downer" and some might read this and ask what happened to my realities regarding positive thinking, optimism, and all of that. But please note that I didn't title this entry "My Reality #5," because I don't see this as a reality at this point in my life. And yet, I do see this attitude as something that is positive in that I reallyl don't want to be a burden to anyone or another stone around their neck. So this entry is merely a comment on death and dying and nothing more. It is just an entry to my on-going writings which I see as neither sad nor endearing . . .