VERSION|0.5.1|NAME|Broga|DATE|1364483161|CONTENT|@Matt:  On the death of mothers.  My mother fell and broke her thigh and she then lived with us for four years and died in bed here two years ago aged 101.  (Her final year, and being able to stay at home, owing much to the care of my wife, a retired doctor).   My mum had been an atheist for decades.  She was ready to die, wanted to die and was hugely distressed at the nature of the intimate care provided by my wife.  She asked &quot;to be put in hospital&quot; to spare us.  That did not happen.  Her GP told her that steps could be taken to try to keep her alive.  My mum was vociferously against this and said, &quot;This is not a life I want.  You must not do that.&quot;   She died quietly one morning.

We often discussed death and she took the view that she was returning to the &quot;atoms&quot; which had been around for billions of years before they formed into her.  She saw death as the deepest of sleeps.  I can compare her death with that of an aged religious friend of hers who was dying.  This woman was terrified of death.  She said she knew &quot;I have done too many bad things and I could never enter heaven.&quot;   She feared hell although ironically, and I knew her well, she was the sweetest and most gentle of women.  

I know one should generalise from two particular examples.  But I state them for what they are worth. |EMAIL|denis.watkins12@btinternet.com|IP-ADDRESS|217.43.134.244|MODERATIONFLAG|