Dying Gracefully

 "Dying Gracefully"

While many people shy away from the topic of death, I believe we should actively and seriously contemplate it in our daily lives. I often seek out and read many books on the subject.

Before my father passed away, I lit an incense for him. Religion is a personal matter, so please don't take it too much to heart. What I want to convey is that my father passed away in a very peaceful state. Despite three years of treatment for liver cirrhosis and late-stage complications requiring dialysis, he passed away peacefully, which lifted a heavy burden from my heart. Watching my father's difficult battle with illness made me consider the option of euthanasia from the perspective of a patient's right to die with dignity.

Recently, medical advances have led to predictions that lifespan could extend up to 150 years. However, from the perspective of quality of life, this is concerning. Those with fewer possessions may suffer even more.

In "For My Beautiful Death" by Ko Kwang-ae, it is said that living to 99 and passing away at 100 after suffering for 2-3 days is a happy ending. Most people believe that reaching 100 years old is not a blessing and that 80-90 years with good health is more appropriate. Quality of life is more important than longevity. And even more crucial is contemplating the meaning of life through death and striving to live a meaningful life. All judgments about life are made after death. That's why it's important to die well.