I am not afraid to die. Never have been. Gonna see my grandmas and grandpas and lots of people (and pets) who've gone on ahead. Mom, too.

Life is pleasant. Death is peaceful. It's the transition that's troublesome.
--Isaac Asimov

I have had many elderly friends and relatives. Most have been at peace about dying. Mary Green, who is now 104, told me when the Lord calls her, she's ready - she told me that at least ten years ago.

I find it sad when people outlive their friends and family, and grow increasingly lonely and frail at the same time. Alzheimers is almost unbearably cruel. As is arthritis. As is senile dementia. And this list goes on.

I once asked my (Great step-)Uncle Lonnie which he thought was worse. He and my Great Uncle Mac were of a similar age. (Lonnie married Mac's step-sister). Mac had Alzheimers, so didn't know where he was, didn't know how sick he was. His body was okay, but his mind was gone. Lonnie, after a lifetime of hard work, was crippled - virtually frozen stiff - with arthritis. His body was gone but his mind was fine. He said he honestly didn't know which was worse, but wished neither condition on anyone, friend or enemy.

I have hoped, since I was a small child, that by the time I am old, there will be a cure for arthritis and for Alzheimers. I'm a little younger than the Baby-Boom generation, so maybe that will happen.