Page 50 - Senior Link Magazine Summer 2024 - Online Magazine

SENIOR RESOURCES

A PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE

ON LIFE

AND
DeaTh

byJohn Castro

s we navigate through the loving environment
journey of life, we come during one's final
Aacross many experiences journey in life.
that mold us into the individuals we
are today. Every lesson we learn, Losing a friend or
regardless of its significance, plays family member is
a considerable role in our personal never an easy thing
growth and development. Death, in to do. Sometimes, I have gained valuable insight
particular, has taught me valuable we are surprised by their passing, from the experiences of death. It
lessons. and sometimes, we are aware that has reinforced the importance of
their presence is drawing to a close. being true to myself and being more
My great-grandmother Ramona had No matter what the situation, saying attentive in the moment. Life is full
a unique ability to lift my spirits good-bye to someone we love is one of uncertainties, so take that leap of
whenever I was feeling down. She of the most difficult and life-changing faith and embark on a new career or
would always reassure me that things in life. In the Mexican culture, take that trip that you have always
our difficult moments were only death is not a mere farewell, but dreamed of; don’t assume you will
temporary and would eventually rather a heartfelt "see you later." It is have tomorrow, so don’t waste today.
fade away. I was even more drawn a beautiful belief that embraces death Research shows that individuals who
to that message during the summer as an integral part of life, allowing focus on finding happiness in the
of 2005 when she passed away on us to reconnect with our departed present tend to be happier compared
a warm July day while being cared loved ones once a year during the to those who constantly think about
for in hospice. Apart from my own celebration of Día de los Muertos. the past or future. Focusing on what
family, I had never seen anyone else If you are unfamiliar with this is happening right now can help
care for my great-grandmother with tradition, I recommend you watch us find balance and joy. Life can be
such tenderness and love. As she Pixar’s Coco. This movie introduces challenging at times, but there are
peacefully crossed over, her hospice you to a culture that has a healthy ways to make it more fulfilling.
nurse gracefully took charge of relationship with mortality. Death is
that emotional time and made it so a deep and holy experience. When It's fascinating how the significance
serene. What I took away from my my loved ones die, I know they will of life becomes more profoundly
great-grandmother's passing was the never truly be gone because our important when one faces death.
importance of creating a peaceful and connection will never be broken. We tend to alter our behavior in

50 Lubbock Senior Link