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Leslie Fuquinay Miller's avatar

Excellent post. "Death gives life urgency." Love that line.

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Don Akchin's avatar

Thanks, Leslie F.

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Susie Kaufman's avatar

I'm astonished that in all my contemplating death, it has never occurred to me that the word "deadline" has the word "dead" in it. Missed that.

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Don Akchin's avatar

Probably just a coincidence, right?

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Susie Kaufman's avatar

Turns out to originate in Civil War prisoner of war camps. A line was drawn "in the sand." If a prisoner crossed that line, he was shot dead. Not as metaphysical as my explanation below.

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Don Akchin's avatar

Thanks for sharing that tidbit. I had no idea.

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Susie Kaufman's avatar

I'll try to remember to look it up. I bet it means the line you cross in making the transition out of this world.

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Teaching in the Middle's avatar

I tell my students all the time that events have meaning because they don't last forever. This goes for starring roles in the high school musical, state football championships, and ultimately, life.

Thanks for the important reminder! :)

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Don Akchin's avatar

Thank you, Lori!

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Kathleen Murphy's avatar

My mom attends daily Mass, alongside about a dozen other 80-90-somethings. They all joke they’re “cramming for the finals.” Great essay, Don, thanks!

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Don Akchin's avatar

I like that!

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Bryan Demchinsky's avatar

"Work for the night is coming,” said my Grade 9 teacher, near the end of her long career. We were young and saw only the end of the day. Now I see the longer night.

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Rachel McAlpine's avatar

Your terrific essay comes at just the right moment for me. I love deadlines and after a bit-too-busy six months was looking forward to a clear diary when I could rest, think, write and read. Bewildered. Said to myself, I need a deadline. And there it is: death! Thank you. I am only 85 and I have plenty of years ahead. But I am processing…

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Don Akchin's avatar

Rachel, I admire your spirit!

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Patricia Shearer's avatar

Don, dreams are from the dreamer and for the dreamer. To you the return to being a newspaperman signifies deadlines.

To me your report suggests your psyche’s integration into what Jung called “The Self.” I’ve been having dreams about rounding in a hospital and being at a nurses’ station off and on for about 10 years. The dreams are ineffable.

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Don Akchin's avatar

Patty, Glad to know I’m not the only one having these work dreams.

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Don Akchin's avatar

Patty

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Jody DOSHER's avatar

I keep getting more amazed at the time to learn more about whatever I want now, without deadlines and requirements. I loved the article. As I think about the "Big" deadline, I think I want to enjoy the day more, rain, sunshine, hot, or cold. Celebrate the beauty of this world daily and find a way to make some random child laugh, the sound of true joy.

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Don Akchin's avatar

Jody, I think you have the right approach. Thanks!

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Kathy Glennon's avatar

The big D….always worth pondering. I also try to focus on what it’s important today….since no one ever really knows when death will come knocking….some with terminal diagnoses may have an idea but even they are often surprised. …a car accident, a plane crash, a heart attack in an otherwise healthy person…..just food for thought. Great piece.

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Don Akchin's avatar

Thank you, Kathy. A Jewish sage said you should repent the day before you die. But since you don’t know when that day will be, it’s wise to (I’m paraphrasing here) keep your accounts current.

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WENDL Kornfeld's avatar

The most terrifying book I ever read is also a classic children's book: Tuck Everlasting, by Natalie Babbitt. If the idea of dying is scary, consider what not being able to die would be like. Even the Brothers Grimm didn't go that dark.

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Don Akchin's avatar

Wendl, here’s another one for you on that theme: Eternal Life, by Dara Horn. A good read about a woman who keeps being reborn again and again.

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WENDL Kornfeld's avatar

Ooh, thank you. It's on my list now.

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Judith Posner's avatar

terrific piece. great metaphor.

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Don Akchin's avatar

Thank you, Judith.

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