avatarJulia A. Keirns

Summary

The author reflects on their desire to die peacefully, surrounded by the beauty of nature while on a drive through a national park.

Abstract

The article describes an individual's contemplation on mortality during a serene car ride through a national park. The author paints a vivid picture of the surrounding natural beauty, including towering mountains, lush forests, and wildflowers, which evokes a sense of tranquility and insignificance in the vastness of the landscape. They express a profound appreciation for the present moment, acknowledging their gratitude for life, health, and the companionship of loved ones. The author concludes by sharing their wish to pass away in such a setting, envisioning a peaceful departure from life while enveloped by nature's splendor.

Opinions

  • The author finds a deep sense of peace and contentment in the natural setting of the national park.
  • There is an expressed appreciation for the sensory experiences provided by nature, such as the smell of pine trees and the sound of birds singing.
  • The author feels fortunate for their life experiences, health, and relationships with family and friends.
  • The preference for a natural and serene death reflects a belief in the beauty and dignity of passing away in a cherished environment.
  • The act of sharing their desired way to die with a companion indicates a level of comfort and openness about the topic of mortality.

This is How I Want to Die

Thinking about the inevitable

Driving through a national park. Photo by author.

The car drives smoothly through the national park, its wheels humming over the pavement. I sit in the passenger seat with my head resting back against the headrest. I close my eyes and take a deep breath. I smell fresh air and pine trees and wildflowers. The wind blows through my hair as we drive. I hear birds singing in the trees and the wind rustling through the leaves.

Driving through a national park. Photo by author.

I open my eyes and look out the window. The scenery is breathtaking. I see towering mountains, lush green forests, and sparkling rivers. I see deer grazing in a meadow and eagles soaring overhead. I feel so small and insignificant in this vast and beautiful landscape. There are towering mountains on either side of the road, and a river runs through the valley below. I see waterfalls cascading down the mountainsides, and wildflowers blooming in the meadows.

Driving through a national park. Photo by author.

I close my eyes again and take another deep breath. I feel my body relax and my mind calm. I feel a complete sense of peace and contentment wash over me. I am surrounded by beauty, and I am grateful for this moment.

Driving through a national park. Photo by author.

I think about how much I love this place. I love the feeling of the sun on my skin and the wind in my hair. I love the smell of the fresh air and the sound of the birds singing. I love the feeling of being surrounded by nature.

Driving through a national park. Photo by author.

I think about how lucky I am to be here. I am alive and healthy. I have a loving family and friends. I have everything I need to be happy. I look over at Rich and I smile. I am content.

Driving through a national park. Photo by author.

I think about how I want to die. I imagine myself dying at this moment. I imagine myself slipping away peacefully, surrounded by the beauty of nature. I imagine my soul leaving my body and floating up into the sky, where I can see the entire national park spread out below me. I want to die sitting in the passenger seat of this car, driving through this beautiful national park. I want to die surrounded by nature. I want to die peacefully.

Driving through a national park. Photo by author.

I know that I am not ready to die yet. I have so much more to experience in life and so many places yet to see. But it is comforting to know that when it is my time, I want to go in this way. I tell Rich that this is how I want to die. Put me in the passenger seat of the car, roll the window down, and drive me through a beautiful national park until I take my last breath.

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