Rector’s Letter - October 2011
Death is often the greatest taboo subject – we don’t like to talk about it or even to think about it unless we really have to. Much attention is given to living the good life but what makes for a good death? Is such a thing possible?
We may say that all death is bad but surely that’s wrong – we all have to die – one of the two certainties in life: death and taxes!
Certainly death is hard for all concerned; death can still be painful (despite advances in medical science and pain relief); death, like birth, can be messy and exhausting; but surely there are good ways to die especially where there is time to prepare (a luxury that not all of us have).
Might I suggest some of the things that might help us to die with dignity – a good death:
- To make peace with God in the belief that He knows us and loves us and wants to forgive us our sins and welcome us into His heaven.
- To address unfinished business especially in our key relationships.
- To be creative about the time left to us on earth (trips we like to make and people we’d like to see).
- To think about which key family and friends you’d like to have around you when you are near to death and where, if possible you would prefer to be when you die.
The Mother’s Union have written a great little booklet called: “When I die” which helps any of us to address the issues around our dying. In believing in life after death we have so much to lok forward to within God’s love but don’t leave this important subject untouched for your own sake and the sake of your loved ones.