Response to Dan's Post: "The End"

This is a response to Dan's post, "The End" : http://dgcroatia305.blogspot.ca/2012/04/end.html

            Often death brings forward the need for repentance and action. I believe humans take their life for granted and/or ignore the fact that they are immortal just to forget their fear of death and the unknown. In many movies, those who are either faced with an outrageous catastrophe like the end of the world, or are simply aging or ill, are forced to think of death and are usually the characters to reflect on their past and “mend broken bridges”. I believe this is a normal reaction to immortality. It is very unfortunate that we often wait until our last days to make peace with those we have betrayed and forgive those who have hurt us. I know it is a bit cliché, in any case, I believe if we lived like each day was our last our world would be a better place.

            Your post also reminded me of the Nickleback song “If Today Was Your Last Day” which calls us to reflect on our past and the choices we would make if we knew today was our last day. One verse in particular highlights the need to live everyday to the fullest without regrets:

“So do whatever it takes,

‘Cause you can't rewind a moment in this life.

Let nothing stand in your way,

‘Cause the hands of time are never on your side.”

Nickleback, "If Today Was Your Last Day" - Song & Lyrics

            Another song that came to mind was Pearl Jam’s “Last Kiss”. Instead of a person having to face death because of a sickness or aging, this song address the need for reflection when someone you love passes. After his girlfriend has passed, he sings, “She’s gone to heaven so I’ve got to be good; so I could see my Baby when I leave this world.” He realizes now that he has to live a certain way in the hopes that he can see her again.

Pearl Jam, "Last Kiss" - Song & Lyrics

            There are many mediums in popular culture that ask us to take a step back and reflect on our lives, the regrets we have, and the decisions we can make to better our future and sometimes even our entire world. They often force us to think about death and even a possibly afterlife. After all, if we believe the rapture is dawning, I am sure we would all make changes in our everyday lives.