John M
3004NRS End of Life Studies
Deathography

The Worst Encounter
My first close encounter with death was with my father 9 years ago; I was 11 years old. After coming home from a routine medical check-up, our family was shocked to find that my dad’s heart was considered a ticking time bomb, and it could literally explode any day. He needed surgery quick to replace his aortic valve.
My mother and sister’s reactions were expected as they cried and held on to my dad, but mine were very opposite; for some reason I wanted to laugh. After wanting to laugh, I felt sick with myself, but couldn’t control what I was telling my body to do.

Euphoria is one of many different mental distresses that can be experienced during a time of grief. The definition of euphoria is “a feeling of happiness, confidence, or well-being sometimes exaggerated in pathological states as mania” (Euphoria, 2011). When people are given big enough news, the reactions between each person will be mixed. Sadness is very common, but there is a big list of other feelings that will be experienced such as euphoria. The euphoria I felt in my case felt more like the first stage of grieving according to Elisabeth Kübler-Ross. Kübler-Ross says there are five stages of grieving: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance (Kübler-Ross). The euphoria that happens to a young child in a position similar to mine can be caused by both denial and ignorance. Not fully understanding makes way to not trying to understand because one may be afraid to find out what could actually be happening.

Two months ago, my father had to get surgery again for his heart valve. After a short 9 years, it needed to be replaced again, but this time my family and I felt more prepared. Even though the hospital was the same from 9 years ago, I didn’t remember anything. The moment I walked through