Life Lived Well

There are those in old age whose body deteriorates while their mind remains alert up to the point of death; and there are those whose mind erodes progressively while the body remains relatively intact.  Which is better is a matter of idle meditation in so far as ultimately we don’t have a choice even if we preferred one to the other.   With the alternative between a sudden death and a slow prolonged process toward death; if one might be less painful, the other allows time to prepare all concerned for the inevitable end. Though longevity is celebrated in many cultures, its blessing depends on the quality of life lived.  So, an early death, generally bemoaned for cutting a life short, may have been a blessing in so far as the remaining life, if lived, might have turned to be full of misery.  Some live a short life and accomplish a lot; others may live longer and accomplish less.  Short or long, life lived well is the greatest blessing.  Such thoughts enter my mind as I approach 80.