On Natural Death

Gregorri T. Leaño

ENGLISH 111 – N

            I always believed that everything happens for a purpose, but why can’t I accept death?

            After reading the essay “On Natural Death” by Lewis Thomas, I realized that I am going to die eventually; everyone will be. Honestly, I fear death because I fear pain. I don’t like to get hurt, most especially when others get hurt.

            So the essay suggested that the pain will be gone since we won’t feel anything if we’re about to die, the author is clearly aware that people fear of death because of pain. That’s why, in my opinion, he tried to explain more about not feeling pain if we’re about to die.

            So I was thinking, about his examples of the Elm tree that died and then the woodcutters cut him into pieces and loaded his pieces in the truck, and the rat that was eaten by the cat. I believe that we human beings are somehow related to those other living thing’s death. But how are we different? I believe that the author tries to elicit a response about us in our life; what is our purpose in our life?

            The elm tree realized his purpose is to be cut down after his death; in turn he will help other people after his death. The mouse realized his purpose when he is in the mouth of the cat, he didn’t fight to stay alive, and he just simply died to be food for his enemy. For us humans, our purpose lies within our hearts; very deep within our hearts that sometimes death is the only way for us to realize it. We are human beings, we’re not getting cut after we die, and not someone bigger is going to eat us alive. Instead, we are about to be marching with the mourners in our burial day. Doesn’t it seem lacking? If the elm and mouse died for a purpose, then what are mans’ purpose?

            Every man’s purpose is different, but if we look at it, our ultimate purpose is just simple; to inspire and help other people. Now what does this something to do with purpose after death? Well, let’s take a look on our saints, they died because of their desire to serve, and now they’re like those elm and mouse, they died for a purpose.

            I wanted to become a saint, and I’m serious about it. If you don’t believe me, then read this line again: “I want to become a saint.” In my entire life, I set my dreams and ambitions, I set what I wanted to be, what I wanted to do when I am alive. But our spirit doesn’t die when we die, so that’s why I also instructed a goal for him, I wanted to inspire at least one soul. In that way, I can have a purpose after I diei can give something for the needy. Maybe I’m too dreamy, but I know that death is also a dream, and that’s why I’ll pursue my life of search for my true happiness, for my purposes. And until the last moment where I can take a breath, I will still pursue these dreams, for others, my soul, our God, and for my self.

            Death can only be accepted if one’s goal is already made clear, but death is not an option until one’s purpose is already done.