Sam, I agree with you so much. People didn't used to go away from home to die in some lonely institution. They usually were surrounded by family and in some circles, they were specifically sung on their way. The Tibetan monks are trained to help facilitate one's passing with calmness and without fear. I do see this explored more and more in hospices and music therapy circles. It is an honour to be with someone who transitions, as it is the last "mystery" any of us will experience in this incarnation. I think most people are so afraid of it, they put on blinders and are so surprised when it finally comes.

Art, your have given more joy to this community than you will ever know. And, as a personal friend, you will always, always be cherished and remembered, however long any of us is left to be here...and then some! I'll go look you up in the Akashic records if I get there after you! The Peace you seem to have found is to be envied and an inspiration.

I am still in the pissed off state about my health challenge even though I've know about it for twenty years. The only thing I don't like about death, is the feeling that I might not be done with all I want to do and maybe not being here with my kids and grandkids, as well as all of you. My family has a history of longevity; my maternal uncle got remarried at 85 or 87, so, I'll probably be prancing around with a new valve someday and live to be 100 or more. Whew! The longer we can be here, the more chances of breakthroughs in healing research.

LilNeo, your grannie sounds like Roger's Meme; she forgot all of her English at about 93, lived to 95; mistook Rog for her son, rattled to him in French like a little chirping bird, stole everyone else's canes, and had spent at least thirty years before she died, waiting for God to take her. She was ready!

Great thread, Peter. Thanks.

kato'ninelives!