...FACING DEATH In defining death, according to Douglas Harper, (2010), Death is the act of dying; the end of life; the total and permanent cessation of all vital functions of an organism. Another definition of death by Feldman (2014) death is the point at which life ceases. Due to the advancement of medicine over the years death have been defined in many ways, depending on the last state of the one who experienced death. Some medical experts definition of death relies on the lack of brain waves if this happens, and the heart is still functioning, the person is not dead but is brain dead (Ressner, 2001), Feldman (2014). It is frightening to consciously recognize our mortality, to be fully aware that one day we will cease to exist. The fear of death is so great; that the reality of death must be suppressed from our consciousness so we can go forward with our lives fully. I remember as a young person I too always felt that death was for the old, as I grew into my adulthood, I begin to face reality that when someone dies it’s no coming back, at least not in this life time. The first close death I was faced with was a very good friend of mine who passed at the age of 27 and it was a very sad time for me, it took a while for me to accept that she was gone for good. One thing that has helped me in the acceptance of my own mortality is my walk with God, and his promises to me through his word. John 14:3 states” I go to prepare a place for you, and if I go to prepare a place for...
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...We are all aware of death, and we know that one day it will come to us. For many of us the subject of death brings an awful chill down our spines. Unfortunately, we all must face death in the end. Since true fear stems off having a lack of knowledge for a subject, which makes death a powerful and fearful subject. Because of this fear, of such a simple yet powerful aspect of our natural lives, people try to fend it off, not even seeing that it is an inevitable act. They try to believe that there is a way to fend off the ‘enemy’ and go against the tide of nature. However ever in the middle of death there is true beauty even in the unlikely of creatures. In two essays the most unsuspecting characters take on death in a different perspective from the way we as group sees it. In the story "The Death of the Moth" by Virginia Woolf and Annie Dillard’s essay, “Living Like Weasels” both touch on such insignificant creatures and the dynamic between life and death. While we cower at the face of death the moth and the weasel face death in a more valiant way. Both of these creatures that we do not even give a second thought in our day to day lives, live and die with more appreciation, and it is admirable. In “The Death of the Moth” and “Living Like Weasels” the speakers show the smallest of creatures living with strength even as they face death and how they reflect life in their small presence. It is comparable that we as a group lives with the same vigor as the moth, but once being...
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...Dr. Mark Henderson English 102-105 November 11, 2013 W.S Merwin’s For the Anniversary of My Death and Yusef Komunyakaa’s Facing It both revolve around themes of death. Each author’s approach to the subject is vastly different, yet there are also striking parallels. Both poems were filled with imagery, which caused me to pause and consider how I relate to death, be it my own imminent demise, or the death of those around me. For the Anniversary of my Death, is a poem depicting the tale of a man who realizes that death is unavoidable. Each year as we go about our daily business we all without celebration, pass our individual death anniversaries. We have no way of knowing when this day is and few of us take the time to contemplate this truth. Most of us are living our lives in fear of that day, attempting to get as much life as possible into our allotted time. Few of us take the time to think that it may even be tomorrow, and if so what have we truly accomplished. Facing It tells the story of a Vietnam Veteran visiting the memorial for the first time, he stands facing the memorial, reviewing the names, unconsciously in search of his own name, as though he can’t believe that he has truly survived the war. He is facing the Memorial, but he is also facing his past, facing his humanity. Merriam Webster defines imagery as language that causes people to imagine pictures in their mind. However imagery is more than just pictures in your mind. When I read a good book or...
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...As we know, sooner or later everyone dies. I believe Anna Russell said it best, “ it’s a part of the scenery (Facing Mortality). However it is tempting to view death as special event that occur when you reach old age. At the introduction of Facing Mortality the younger student had adopted the very ideology about death, which I believe to be naive. When in fact from the time we are born everyone lives in a relationship with death. Long before reaching old age each one us will have a personal history of thoughts about death. Some may be brief, other may be profound and enlighten. Nevertheless depending on our religious and cultural beliefs some may obsess over the dilemma of life and death while other may take on a more fatalism approach. For...
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...* Car seat use reduces the risk for death to infants to 1 year by 71%; and to toddlers aged 1–4 years by 54%, in passenger vehicles (CDCP, 2015) * Using booster seat reduces the risk for serious injury by 45% for children aged 4–8 years when compared with seat belt use alone (CDCP, 2015). * Car seat use reduces the risk for death to infants to 1 year by 71%; and to toddlers aged 1–4 years by 54%, in passenger vehicles (CDCP, 2015) * Using booster seat reduces the risk for serious injury by 45% for children aged 4–8 years when compared with seat belt use alone (CDCP, 2015). Car Safety Car Safety SAFETY FIRST SAFETY FIRST References Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2015) Injury Prevention & Control: Motor Vehicle Safety. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/c Parents Central (2015) Car Seat by Child’s Age and Size. Retrieved from http://www.safercar.gov/parents/CarSeat s/Car- Seat-Types.htm American Academy of Pediatrics. (2015) Ages & Stages. Retrieved from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ ages-stages/toddler/Pages/Safety-for- Your-Child-1-to-2-Years.aspx References Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2015) Injury Prevention & Control: Motor Vehicle Safety. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/c Parents Central (2015) Car Seat by Child’s Age and Size. Retrieved from http://www.safercar.gov/parents/CarSeat...
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...Ethnics Exercise 3.1 The most thought provoking idea that I read was the subject of “A Burden to My Loved Ones”. I can understand if a person feels they are a burden on their family or friends during that time, but how can anyone who is a caregiver to their sick relative and facing death say to a family member, “you are a burden to me, you should just go ahead and die so I can live a normal life”. I would be beside myself if I were the sick relative. I would not cut my life short because this poor excuse of a human being felt I was a burden to them. Nobody chose to be put on this earth. To be selfish and make someone feel as though they are a burden because your social life has deteriorated ever since your relative became terminally ill is just wrong. This person should ask themselves how would they feel if a relative did that to them? I used to think that all elderly people in my family should go to nursing homes when death was near, and I also believed terminally ill relatives in my family should be in hospitals. I was and still scared to watch people die to this very day. But with age you realize these decisions isn’t based on us when it isn’t us who is facing death eye to eye. They shouldn’t have to base their decision upon dying or getting proper treatment because of our fears and burdens. Sometimes we have to set aside our own fears, burdens, concerns, and face the reality of the individual who is probably more scared than us. Basically I don’t think my family...
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...When facing death, we face the inevitable. When we are born and take our first breath in life, the aging process begins. Each day we live, we are a day older. Some people have a hard time facing those facts. Society have made people believe they can cheat aging by offering Face Lifts, Botox, and Liposuction by making them think and look younger but, they are still aging internally. 1 Peter 3:3-4, states “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. As the outward physical signs of aging become increasingly apparent, significant changes occur in the internal functioning of the organ systems (Feldman, 2014). I witnessing my aunt go through a transformation of death really taught me a lot. She was a very special person in my life and I was able to deal with her passing better than I thought I would. When my aunt told us she had cancer, it was heart breaking because we knew we only had a short period of time to spend with her. Although, my aunt was sick, she still had faith and knew when she dies, she would be in a better place waiting for Christ to return. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first (1 Thessalonians 4:16). She was a true example to...
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...Ethical Theories Applied to Euthanasia It is a patient’s right to make the decision to end their life when they are facing a terminal illness, especially after all attempts to provide pain management have failed. However, these patients are left with few options due to the legal, moral, or religious complications of voluntary euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide (PAS). But, if terminally ill patients had these options available, they would be given the respect to die with the dignity they are entitled to at the end of their life. By applying the utilitarian theory to this question, we would first have to ask, are we providing the greatest amount of happiness or more pain? From a utilitarian point of view, if allowing someone to die with dignity will promote more happiness for them, and those who will be affected by this act, then it is morally ethical. By applying virtue ethics, we would have to ask, whether it is more charitable to continue with pain management until their death, or to relieve their unnecessary pain and suffering by voluntary euthanasia or PAS. Regardless of the moral theories applied, legalizing voluntary euthanasia or PAS, will grant more options, to include reducing the amount of suffering experienced, eliminate the patient’s use of other means to end his or her life, and allow for families to prepare for their loved one’s passing, all of which keeps the patient’s dignity intact. Utilitarianism looks at the best action producing the best consequences...
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...Late Adulthood and Death PSY/280 June 30, 2014 "Late adulthood is a time of reflection, enjoying friends, family, and grandchildren, and maintaining health in preparation for the final years of the lifespan. Although genetics play a significant role in the quality of life during these final years, individuals who modify destructive lifestyles and embark on healthier options will experience an improvement in their health and sense of wellbeing (Berger, 2008). During this stage of adulthood, older adults remain socially active and independent rather than subjecting themselves to isolation and withdrawal (Berger, 2008). As more aging adults continue to live healthy, socially active lives and maintain important family roles, it is important to refrain from stereotypical thought and the negativity of ageism, which can contribute to their premature decline. With technology and high quality medical care, aging adults continue to be a valuable resource for younger generations. Healthy habits and daily routines are essential for promoting health and wellness into late adulthood. Smoking, excessive drinking, lack of exercise, and overeating cost many individuals their ability to maintain an active and independent lifestyle as they age (Berger, 2008). Exercise and a healthy...
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...passive. According to law and court of justice passive euthanasia is normally accepted. The decisions are based on facts of a specific case. In spite of the difference in the definition of both passive and active euthanasia the results are the same. Active euthanasia is intentionally ending life by force or lethal matter. Active euthanasia can be done by someone else or patient. If the patient commits the act it is called a suicide, but if another person assists with causing death can be facing criminal charges for accessory of suicide. Active euthanasia is more controversial than passive euthanasia because people take into consideration for their morals, religion, and sympathetic controversy surrounding the problems....
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...Death and Dying How a positive attitude may help us to overcome death with dignity. Agnieszka Schultes North Island College ESL 090 Suzanne Schiller June 21, 2013 TABLE OF CONTENT 1. Introduction 3 2. Definition of Death 4 3. Religious Views of Death 6 4. Psychological Assessment of Death 8 5. Face to Face with Death 10 6. Facing Death with Dignity 12 7. Conclusion 14 8. References List 15 Introduction The human understanding of death and our own mortality seems to change drastically throughout history, as well as the various cognitive and physical developments experienced by different cultures. One can only begin understanding the concept of death clearly however, if they are to encounter an experience that is somehow related with it themselves. According to Frank Rosenzweig, a very famous Jewish theologian as well as scholar, in a study he and his colleagues previously conducted, they found out that: “by the age of 65, about 50% of women and 10% of men have suffered the loss of a spouse at least once…” (as cited in Kesler, 2003, p. 54). So, based on the research given above, one may safely assume that quite a few of us will eventually witness someone dying in a very personal manner; but the real question is, do we truly understand the nature of death? And what does our society, as well as religious beliefs, say about this understanding? Definition of Death In various...
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...Introduction Whereas death is a universal experience for every human being, the behaviors that are associated with grief are very much different. The heartache process is a culturally bound process that has been associated with specific groups. Death and grief are very normal events; different cultures have come up with ways of coping with death and honoring the dead in the most respectful way possible at least according to them. Interferences with these cultural practices would alter the way people would normally deal with the passing of a loved one. While the health care fraternity are not expected to know the different traditional practices of cultures concerning death, and how best to honor the dead understanding the basic concepts about how to respond and prepare for death is important. However, it poses a challenge to the doctors and the entire health department to ask those crucial questions concerning death. Questions that would board on the understanding of what happens after death, that is in relation to their cultures. What is the families’ role in handling of death? What are the changes that as a medical practitioner one has to follow when handling the family? The Hindu culture is one such community that has developed different ways of coping with before and after death. The firm doctrines that they operate on are considered strict on how to handle and deal with the dead. The paper examines the Hindu culture in respect to the way they handle death, and how it has affected...
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...by Housman was about fame and death. To die, one can be killed, or die of natural causes. Some fear death, others look upon death as a crossing point to another life, but no human can stop its rampage. Housman's poem talks about the gradual death of fame and the more sudden death of its owner. As commonly known, the laurel represents victory and triumph. Yet, as with fame, the laurel dies faster than a rose. This poem is focused on the disappearance of fame, and how an athlete is better off dying, than witnessing the death of his/her fame. Strangely enough, the poet does not lament the death of the athlete. Instead, he talks about all the benefits of dying an early death, and how lucky the athlete was. Next up, the poet Yusef Komunyakaa, and his "...
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...Emily Herman Hickman, Andrew PHL 200 16 April, 2015 THANATOLOGY Thanatology is a subject that most people do not talk about. To most people it is a subject to avoid because it can be a very sensitive topic to discuss. However, it is seen that there is more to the subject or death rather than just you live and you die. This is discussed in the article, Thanatology death science. In Thanatology death science, the article discusses how this subject looks more into how those who are dying react to death in order to be able to help others learn how to deal with this phenomenon themselves. It then goes on to discuss the two core concepts that it is considered to have that are helpful in comprehending the course of living and dying (Thanatology). The article then briefly touches on these two ideas, which are, “my death versus your death” and “partial death versus total extinction”, where people try to denote that although one person’s death is certain that my death could be different or be an exclusion from this and that by...
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...The Sacramento Bee illustrates the honest but dark tone that people make a big deal out of a disease like ebola but Americans die by other ways. A disease that hasn't came to America and yet America is scared they are doing to die by it. Other Americans die by other ways like obesity, tobacco, and alcohol. These are other deadly ways Americans die. In the foreground is a obesite man with the word America on it. In the background is the ways how people died and what the cause was, for example obesity, tobacco, and alcohol. The focus of the picture is USA is afraid of ebola. The stereotypes of the picture is USA is afraid of ebola yet they need to worry about other things. The cartoonist stance is America is scared of ebola. Cartoonist want to...
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