Friday, November 11, 2011

Afraid of Dying?


Yesterday one of my good friends asked me if I'm afraid of dying. Not because anything is wrong but we were just having a discussion about fears. This is her biggest fear in the world.

In case I've never told you before, I am a total worrier.

I worry about everything- what will happen today, tomorrow, and 30 years from now.  I of course have even more anxiety after losing Aiden. I mean how can you not? My fears are over the top now. If someone doesn't answer their phone I think they may be on the side of the road somewhere. If someone is running late I think they are in the hospital. It's enough to drive anyone insane but that's my life now. I worry, I have fear, I panic, and I work myself into a fit.

So when my friend asked me if I was afraid of dying I know she was expecting me to say yes. I mean of all the things to be afraid of that has to be a big one on a lot of people's lists. And you're talking to someone who is fearful of everything.

But my answer was no.....not any more.

I used to be afraid of dying. It's the ultimate unknown. The biggest "what is going to happen when..."

I mean I have an idea of what life and Heaven will be like from what I've learned at church and from reading the bible. Actually after we lost Aiden I received a book called Heaven by Randy Alcorn. You can check it out here if you're interested.

This book is pretty thick so I haven't read the whole thing but I did skip around to the parts I was really interested in- I wanted to know where my Aiden was, what he was doing, who he was with, if he remembered me. The book uses scriptures to give you an idea of what things will be like in Heaven. It was helpful to me but I still am at a loss. I still wonder exactly what Heaven is like. I believe my son is incredibly happy. I believe he feels no pain and is showered with love daily. I believe he is with loved ones that have passed on before us. I believe one day I will see him again. But other than that I'm not sure what to expect from Heaven.

But am I afraid of dying now? No.

It just means I'll be able to see my Aiden again. And that my friends will be a special special gift.

Don't get me wrong- I'm not saying that I'm trying to check out now (in case you were worried). I want to enjoy as much of my life as I can while I'm here on earth. I want to make the most out of every moment with my family, every laugh Nygel and I share, every smile I get from Baby Jack and any other children I'm blessed with. I try not take any of the important stuff for granted because life is so fragile and uncertain. I know that's what Aiden would want for me. To be happy in this life.

But I can't help but think about the day that I'll get to see my son again. It will be pretty special even if it is 50 years from now. I like to think that one day my family will be whole again- together.

How do you feel about death and dying after losing your precious baby? Is this a fear of yours?

8 comments:

Lj82 said...

I feel the same way. While I hope I have a long life ahead of me, filled with a bunch of McBabes, I do look forward to when I get to go to him.

My husband likes to remind me, statistically, he'll be there before me. That they will stand together at the "finish" line and welcome me together, with dear friends and family who departed before me. I love to think of it like that.

xox momma.

aliciamarie911 said...

I think that we can imagine and dream endlessly about what we think Heaven will be like, but we will never be able to fathom the glory of the Lord and His presence. We have an awesome God, and you are absolutely right, your little Aiden is beyond showered with love. The best kind of love that anyone could ever receive. :) As far as dying, I'm scared. I think about my family I'm leaving behind, and I get a sick feeling in my stomach at leaving them behind.

DandelionBreeze said...

I agree... I used to be so worried about dying but that's completely changed now. My only fear of dying is leaving our daughter on earth behind... and my greatest fear since losing Gabrielle is losing our little girl here with us. All other things that I used to fear have been replaced with a general anxiety about anything and everything. Losing our darling babies changes us forever - for the worse and for the better. One day we'll all be together... and I look forward to that day but don't want it to come too soon. Love to you always xoxo

Tiffany said...

I totally agree too. I don't think we have any control over when we go, and when it's my time, I'll gladly go because I know Ellie is waiting for me. Plus I always think, how could I be scared of dying and feel ok about where Ellie is now? I know Ellie is safe and happy, so why would I be afraid of that. And as for any pain associated with the dying process- I don't see how anything could be worse that watching Ellie go through what she did, so bring it.
Baby J- keep behaving! No more scares- really, that's enough :)

B. Wilson @ Windy {City} Wilsons said...

I answer the same. I worry about everything and mostly having to deal with the grief of losing someone else I love, but not myself. Because when I die, I won't worry anymore and I won't miss my son anymore.

I secretly hope E and I die around the same time because I can't bear the idea of living without him AND my son, but I can't choose that. I wouldn't want to die before him, either, as it would leave him behind, brokenhearted and lonely. Ideally, I'd plan our deaths so we'd go out together.

I'm pretty much scared of everything else though and assume the worst. It's all part of baby loss, I think. You aren't alone.

Amy von Oven said...

Im not scared of dying, in fact I can't wait to get to Heaven and see my baby girl(not that I am in a hurry to get there either)I just know it is going to be an amazing moment! I do not fear it because it will be great. All worries and fear will be gone. My biggest fear allready came true, lossing one of my children....but I think God has used that to teach me not to live my life in fear, and to trust in him no matter how scared I might be, HE will still be there to guide me through!!!

Sarita Boyette said...

I feel the same way you do. I did a blog post not too long ago on this subject. I had septic shock in 2008 & did come close to dying, but I wasn't afraid. I want to stick around for my family, but I do want to hold Meredith as soon as I can when I get to heaven, after meeting Jesus & God, of course! I had a solid Christian upbringing and I have no doubt there is a heaven & that I'm going there. I used to worry & have anxiety like you. It took many years fo counseling, but I think I have that whipped now.

Addi's mom said...

I feel the same way you do. I used to be scared, but now the thought that I'll get to be with Addi leaves no fear. I hope to live a long life with Addi's daddy and her future siblings, but if not I am okay with that too. The rest of the things I worry about constantly especially losing Brian or more children...that would be more than I could handle...well even more than I already handle!

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