Death comes like a thief”, is an oft-repeated phrase, perceived by different people an aspect of life, a transition to the unknown.
In the aftermath of death, what follows is a great deal of pain: physical, social, mental, and emotional, as the loved one who departed leaves a void, and the emotional trauma, frustration, regret, and spiritual fears of those left behind are aroused. Those left behind feel the need to do something to ease their journey, like praying for the dead.
The universal fact remains that “birth is accidental but death is certain,” meaning death is inevitable. One may call it destiny.
‘How death comes’ is a deep question as the unexpected or unforeseen deaths cause inconceivable misery and pain to family members, close relatives, and near and dear ones, many of them unable to come to terms with such sudden loss, and unable to rebuild their lives. The feeling is unlike when death comes with old age or after a long illness, when family members are more or less able to prepare and accept the demise of a loved one.
Can you recall the death of a relative or a close friend, especially one with a clean medical history? Did you feel scared of being reminded of one’s own mortality? Have you heard of someone who unusually said goodnight to everyone, then never to woke up in the morning?
Deaths like those, real-life incidents, are living proof that demonstrate how death, indeed, comes like a thief.
Although we are aware that none of us is permanent in this world, it still is not easy to accept the untimely death of a loved one. None can understand the pain or the trauma of losing a loved one, like having a rug suddenly swept from under you, or having your plans snatched away from you in the blink of an eye.
When a loved one passes away, no one is ever prepared for the changes that will come to their lives. Death is final, with no point of return, described as a “call from God”or the “will of God”.
Both processes of birth and death are the defining markers of human life, natural processes that all the living will experience.
Both processes also open the door to a similar set of unknowns: What comes next? What will it be like afterwards? How will we cope?
A person may be able to plan for death, like having a living will containing all his wishes but ultimately, the circumstances of one’s passing will be out of anyone’s control.
Everyone can aspire to a “good” or “happy” death, remembering that being in a state of grace, living positively, and having a good relationship with God are essential to a happy death, or at the very least, the aspiration of it can be the beginning of “living intentionally” and thinking more about death and how we can “die well”.
Are you ready for the call of God? Happy All Souls/Saints Day!
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Author’s email: whelmayap@yahoo.com
