| # | Author | Message |
11
| utahjosh
Wed 4/23/2008 12:59p | Kar2oonMan, I totally know what you mean. I used to feel that way sometimes, that it wold be better to just stop existing.
But the longer I live, the more people I develop relationships with, the more I would never want to leave them.
I'm getting married in 23 days, and I want to be with her forever. It would be horrible knowing I never got to see her again.
On top of it all, I believe that we don't have a choice but to live forever. |
12
| RoadTrip
Wed 4/23/2008 1:06p | <<Heaven for me would be quietly checking out surrounded by people I love.>>
If I am getting too personal here just tell me to shut up. But do you know what your dad felt about this as he was dying?
When my brother was dying of pancreatic cancer the one thing that seemed to help him get through the whole ugly process was his very firm believe that he would be going to see those he loved who had died before him. In fact over his last few weeks he definitely was spending more time 'there' than 'here'.
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13
| mele
Wed 4/23/2008 1:20p | I like the idea of being at peace when I die. I like the thought of my spirit and energy flowing into the Earth and all of the people who have died before me. I don't know that I believe in a real Heaven anymore. Being at peace would be lovely. |
14
| Kar2oonMan
Wed 4/23/2008 1:29p | >>But do you know what your dad felt about this as he was dying?<<
I know that throughout his illness, his religious faith grew. There was a wonderful Catholic priest my dad was fond of and whenever he would stop by for a visit my dad would feel much more comforted.
When there was nothing more that could be done for him, my dad was released from the hospital to spend his last days at home. There was a non-stop stream of people, old friends and new, family members who came by to see him. He would light up everytime he had a visitor. I know he loved seeing everyone.
When he died, there were about a dozen of us in the room with him. It was of course incredibly sad, but also moving and peaceful.
I'm being glib a bit by saying I wouldn't want to live forever. I'd love to see my dad again. I miss him terribly every day. |
15
| Kar2oonMan
Wed 4/23/2008 1:31p | As to how my dad felt about it, I am sure he believed that he would see us all again. I hope that he is right. But if he isn't, this would be okay, too...
>>I like the thought of my spirit and energy flowing into the Earth and all of the people who have died before me.<< |
16
| johnno52
Wed 4/23/2008 1:39p | I keep telling my wife to look for me at the haunted house after I die. I'd have a lot of fun seeing the faces of everyone seeing a real ghost hitching a ride. I'd also hang around the hall of the Presidents and twist GW's head backward once in a while. I would swing on a vine at the JC and terrorize the boat crew for years of their bad jokes. Not to forget POC and what fun I'd have there with the Red Head. Who needs heaven when I can have all this and more! |
17
| RoadTrip
Wed 4/23/2008 2:35p | Thanks K2M for your answer.
The strength of my brother's belief during his final few weeks really amazed me... especially since he hadn't been involved with organized religion for quite some time.
Maybe it was a desperate dying man grasping at straws. Maybe it was something much more than that. I would like to think it was the latter.
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18
| EighthDwarf
Wed 4/23/2008 2:59p | I believe this world is hell.
And I believe that heaven is everything this world isn't. In order to get there you have to detach yourself from everything this world has to offer.
I often wonder about those who envision heaven being even remotely like this world. What would the point be of that? Might as well stay here. |
19
| utahjosh
Wed 4/23/2008 3:06p | I think this world has some beautiful things.
Mostly because of love and relationships, but I also love the beauty of the oceans, mountains, a sunset etc. To enjoy all those things without the suffering that can be a part sounds great to me! |
20
| EighthDwarf
Wed 4/23/2008 3:19p | I agree this world has natural beauty, but this is a world of terrible suffering. A lot of us are fortunate not to see it day-to-day.
I think most of the spiritual leaders in history have urged their followers to detach themselves from the things of this world, including family ties. I believe there's a reason they all came to the same basic conclusion. |
