"He died doing what he loved"

After our discussion of this concept this week, I was -- needless to say -- a little startled to see this headline -- five columns, maybe 42-point italic" at the top of the local front page this morning.

Local 14-year-old, a national-level dirt-bike racer, was killed in an accident practicing for a competition.

It was a direct quote from his dad.

 

I hate that expression--hate it. He died while dying. No one thinks 'wow, this is great, I'm dying while doing something I love.' At least I don't think they do.

But this was a quote from the dad, who deservedly takes some comfort from the idea....so I have no problem with it in this context.

Very sad story.

 

As opposed to Nelson Rockefeller, who died doing who he loved.

 

I'm glad they used that headline. The kid would have wanted it that way.

 

If anyone ever says that about me, I am rising from the grave, brushing the dirtstuffs of my shoulders, and bitchslapping that fool into oblivion.

I keep thinking of any race car driver who ever bought the farm plowing into a concrete wall, or any basketball/soccer player who dropped dead during a game due to some undiagnosed heart condition. And they always say he "died doing what he loved."

Since - in those cases - doing what they loved killed them, wouldn't they rather be doing something that they hated, like filing their taxes or sorting the recyclables?

 

Can't wait to see that on a political obit.

"The esteemed senator died doing what he loved, popping Viagra and bedding a 19-year-old prostitute."

 

Although he insisted he was not intoxicated, the senator could not explain his nudity.

 

Well, guess I'll offer up the dissenting opinion. I don't have a problem with the phrase and I think it often rings true.

I guess I think of it in a personal perspective. How would I rather go? Suffering a lengthy and painful illness and knowing death was only a numbered countdown of days? Or falling from the roof after cleaning the gutters? Or a fatal heart attack after mowing the lawn?

No, if I'm going to leave this life, I do think I'd rather have my final moments be most enjoyable. So, if that heart attack takes me, I would rather it be during a game of hoops or a round of golf. Or getting it on with the better half.

If your number is called, may as well have that final experience be one of your most pleasant.

 

RIP, Cap'n Kirk

At least he died doing what he was lousy at.

 

... or a 16-year-old page.

 

yeah, the basketball game has gotten a bit rusty with age.

And have never been a very good golfer.

So, in two out of three cases, you'd be right

 

Heaven needed a 14-year-old boy. Uh, no it didn't.