as someone else just posted in another thread, on a similar topic, most americans spend their lives digging their graves with their mouths.
I am as guilty as the next guy, but I try.
Yes, there are those lucky few that smoke 3 packs a day, drink like an alcoholic, never exercise or eat a vegetable, and somehow defy the odds, but they are mostly the exception.
My father is a perfect example - thought he would be dead 30+ years ago with the life he lived. Alcoholic, 2-3 packs a day, never saw him break a sweat (except perhaps running from a jealous husband), would come home at 2AM from the bars and head back out to work at 5AM for years on end....and yet, at 86 it is just starting to catch up with him....guess the the Marines made him tough.
I had to chuckle a little when I read that.
I have a 94 year uncle who is in hospice as I write. No, that is not what is bringing a chuckle. Its not really a secret to anyone including him how this is going to end. And he is OK.
What brought the chuckle is this guy hasn’t had anything to eat or drink since last Thursday. His stroke prevents him from swallowing. His final wishes are being respected in terms of feeding and IV fluids—again, everyone is cool with that.
Whats funny is this tough old guy tells me he still hasn’t had anything to drink for X days when I go visit him. Not thirsty yet, he tells me.
I’ve been with a lot of elder relatives (my wife is the only grandkid in family with eight aunts and uncles.) None of them bragged about what was going on...right up to the end.