There comes a season every year when death rates seem to spike. At least based on my observation (not a very statistically inclined person so can't say in those terms).
From what I've noticed, it tends to be around the third quarter of the year, or the period between the second moving into the third. This sort of coincides with the timing of Ghost Month and also Halloween.
Well, in recent years, this season seems to be starting earlier and earlier. As early as this month (July), in fact.
Every year, when this season of death rolls in, I always wonder whether it will be our family's turn to be hit. Apparently, this year is one such time.
On Friday morning, we received news from foreign police authorities that my mother-in-law had passed away. She lives abroad so it was challenging on many grounds. First and foremost was us having to verify that this was genuine and not some hoax/scam. Then comes the part where we have to figure out what to do.
We are still working on that bit.
Death is such a profound trigger to make you examine how you live.
Coincidentally, I turn 40 this year. I was keenly aware of this from the moment 1st January came. Assuming I live to be 80, that's half my life already spent.
Of all the things I've accomplished, was it reasonably sufficient?
For all the other stuff I still aspire to do, will there be enough time?
Does anyone ever know when their time (to die) is about to come? Are there signs? Do you know it in the depths of your soul, though you can't quite explain it?
As I reflect on my MIL's demise, I wonder too...
What were her last moments like? Had there been peace as she looked back on all the days she had lived through? Was she thinking of my husband just before she passed? Did she long for him to be by her side and in that absence, did she somehow accept it and find assurance by some other means to pass from this world to the next?
I wonder when the end of my days will be. And whether I will be ready for it.
Comments