How did it affect you? Did the experience change your perspective on things like life after death, god, your own mortality, or the concept of time? Is death really the great leveller? Do we have a responsibility to witness well?
2006-09-23 19:34:11 · 18 answers · asked by Tara 3 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
To take your questions in order. Yes I have witnessed persons dying on multiple occasions.
The were only a very few that actually affected me in any way, the most potent of those being 1985 when my first wife died in my arms. That one had a profound afect on me.
As for the experience changing my pespectives on these things. MY perspective on life after death didn't really change from that. My perspective on "God" changed dramitically. I had never been much of a follower of God before that anyway and afterwards I wasn't one at all. As for my own mortality, well, that has never been of much concern and it really didn't change much either. And my concept of time...THAT had dramatically altered. I came to understand that no matter how muc time we had, it would never be enough....
Death is the great leveller I do agree with that becasue no matter who you are, what you do, when you live, where you live, why you did things or how you did them, you will, eventually die. All men die.
Cattle die, and kinsmen die,
Thyself also soon will die;
But far fame will fade never,
I belive, for him who wins it.
Cattle die, and kinsmen die,
Thyself also soon will die;
One thing I know, will wither never:
The fate of each one dead.
As for the last question...yes. There should always be someone present at the death of anyone, even if the dying is unaware of their presence.
2006-09-23 21:29:37 · answer #1 · answered by kveldulfgondlir 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes. Last year as I was walking home from school a boy in front of me was hit my a car. It made me think that if death could sneak up on him so suddenly and in such an unexpected place, then the same is true for us all. Since then I have become very carefull when I do things, not just with crossing roads, but everything else that might have even a touch of danger accoaciated with it.
2006-09-23 20:06:23 · answer #2 · answered by Alexci 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes I have. I work in Law Enforcement and have witnessed it up close and personal. Did it change my view on LIfe & Death Yes and No. Yes because sometimes it does not have to happen like it does, but people make bad choices or good choices that can still end up in Death. No I came to grip the fact that I can die at any time even just walking into work. Is death the great leveller as youstated it, yes it is final, but if you believe in God and Christ, then your body is only but a shell for the soul to inhabit while you are here on earth, Once you pass then there is afterlife, fi you don't believe, then I have no proof of where you go once you die and even believing in Christ myself, I have not proof of that, I just believe that one I die, I know where I am headed to. Do we have to witness to it, yes, because as a witness you give testimony to the persons life and what they did while alive, even if you only knew them for a short time, you can pass on what you are given by them
2006-09-23 19:49:29 · answer #3 · answered by back2skewl 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
most nurses have witnessed deaths, as I have. Each one is different. Some are welcome due to suffering, but still sad. Some are heart wrenching such as a newborn. I noticed family often stands far away from the bed of the dying. I encourage them to pull a chair up, hold the person's hand. Talk to them. Say last words. Even if you think they can't hear they probably can. Play a favorite song for them. Put lotion on their hands. Wipe their face with a cool cloth. Be a comfort to them instead of standing in the corner waiting.
2006-09-23 19:48:38 · answer #4 · answered by winkcat 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, as a nurse I have seen many deaths.Some very sad and some with a sense of relief. I always say a silent prayer for each -that they are going to a better place. I do not dwell on my own death as life is to short for that and tomarrow is another day.
2006-09-24 15:36:28 · answer #5 · answered by snowflake 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes; in a war and in a car accident.
The war one upset me greatly as I was only 18, and yes it did make me start looking outside the christian belief system, which I have not returned to.
The Car accident was also not very pleasant as one car was hit by a drunk driver only one survivor.
I guess you could say yes it can be a life altering experience, either positive or negative. The war experience gave me what is called a self destructive attitude, which the VA calls survivors guilt, and PTSD is also something I have to deal with.
2006-09-23 19:55:00 · answer #6 · answered by ? 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i've been up close and personal
with death
and birth
they are the same.
during each event
we can see the significant transfiguration
of the body,
but we can only sense
the importance of
what it means
for the spirit to move from one place to another
witnessing
these cross-overs
is a priviledge
and a responsibility
each of us
shares the message,
at our own level of understanding
2006-09-23 21:20:38 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I worked in kind of a hospice unit and saw alot of passing. It was tragic and changed my out look on life alot. I saw the symptoms of natural death and saw some die of illnesses. It was tough and it definatly puts a chock in you.
2006-09-23 20:01:41 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've seen it... it's not something I think about often... I mean it starts me wondering about what it's like to be dead... The world going on around me for years to come while I'm oblivious, six feet deep in a pine box... Gives me the willies...
2006-09-23 19:45:24 · answer #9 · answered by HONORARIUS 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As a retired peace officer....I witnessed too many deaths......The usual.....final thought which followed was...how frail we are....and how..........when it's over....life is over.....the body remains.....but nothing else..........The most beautiful death I expeienced was with an elderly man, in his home, surrounded by family....his family truly loved him....as he exhaled his final breath....a tear rolled down his cheek....I'm sure he didn't want to go, yet he was surrounded by love.....Very nice
2006-09-23 19:42:23 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋