redditor29198

I died once because of an extremely serious illness. I came back. I don't know why I got a second chance, I sure didn't deserve it because of many of the choices I've made in life, but I recognize the manner of being of someone who has seen what the end of life means, loving and openness.

And then hearing stories like this, remembering the ones that didn't make it, knowing that there are people like you who are accepting it, just like I had to accept it when my time was coming, and will again the next time my time comes... You don't really understand how precious and beautiful and rich life is until you're faced with not having it anymore.

OP, I salute you on the march toward your end, as a brother who marched before you. You've touched my life. I will remember you for the rest of my life. There is no greater honor I can offer.

This helped me see death in a different way, maybe it will for you. You may have seen it on reddit already, it's a piece called "You Want A Physicist to Speak At Your Funeral" http://thankgodforevolution.com/node/1960

A toast to those who know that death is never faced alone. Cheers, my fellow human.

I watched a family member of a friend of mine's life fade away through ALS over years, he was healthy and very active before then. It looked like hell. I decided then that I wouldn't ever let anyone decide my quality of life, no matter how much I loved them, and I would consider their opinions but ultimately my life was my own to do with as I decide.

People who haven't faced death always think this sounds harsh, but they don't understand and never will until they truly understand the concept of mortality.

I understand exactly what you mean about being tired. I don't think you should have to suffer through the prison of your own failing body because people who love you want to hold on to whatever scrap of you is left.

All of that said, you sound like you really love your family. I don't have a family, and my extended family and I don't get along, so I could be colored by that. When I was facing a looming death, I chose not to tell anyone. I didn't want them to influence me. Would I have made difference choice in your position? I don't think so, but it's possible. I would rather die fast and let my loved ones heal sooner, than make them watch and suffer while I slowly die. I can't imagine many things worse to do to someone I love than make them suffer at my expense, especially in a misguided attempt to avoid a harsh reality by trying to hold on to whatever scrap of me was left.

In my experience, if you're trying to make a choice about whether you should do something or not, and it's only a choice between yes and no, you've already made your choice but haven't accepted it yet.

This is likely the last big choice you will ever make for yourself. Do you want your last answer to be "I don't know?"

In my intellectual group, The Egg is talked about on the same level as Last Question. Personally, I would put The Egg up there alongside Last Question and Holographic Universe and Power of Now and Prometheus Rising as my most influential readings. It's brilliant, and I couldn't share enough joy with you to convey how important to me it is. I share it with everyone I meet.

Thank you so much, sincerely, for creating it.

Check out I Don't Know Timmy, Being a God Is a Big Responsibility too!