Blog 8

Chapter 14 Review

     This was a very informative chapter.  It covered things about death and dying that many people would not have thought of.  According to Hillier and Barrow, "facing death, dealing with the fact of death in a rational way, and exerting control over the manner of one's dying are all difficult situations in a society that denies death" (2011).  Death is not something that everyone wants to talk about in a regular conversation because many people are afraid of it because of the unexpected.  It's like being lead into a dark room blind-folded and not knowing if the person leading you are taking you to the right place or leading you to some unknown place, and you have no control over where they are taking you.  You can do one of two things: continue to let them lead you, or take off the blind-fold and do not follow.  We all have a fear of something, but everyone fears death.
     The process does not have to be scary because we can control what happens up until that point.    "Fear of death is a human condition-we struggle for our life, and for the lives of others, and we desperately desire to avoid unknowns" (Hillier & Barrow, 2011).  Things that people fear about death include, "fear of pain and suffering, fear of the unknown, fear of nonexistence, fear of eternal punishment, fear of loss of control, and fear of what will become of loved ones" (Hillier & Barrow, 2011).  If we live life to the fullest and live everyday as if it were our last, then when the last day comes, we will be ready for it.