At the beginning of your life, you were helpless, and a burden to everyone, yet you didn’t feel ashamed of it. Babies feel pretty good about themselves, and well they should. As someone who has loved and cared for a dying person, I feel grateful that she and our family had a chance to transition gradually. The people you do not want to be a burden to may, in the big picture, consider it an honor and a blessing to be able to love you and care for you.
I can’t imagine having to explain to the rest of the family that one of our relatives committed suicide. Talk about a burden!
I don't think I've ever read it put more poignantly than this. I wonder if people who feel they may be a burden somewhere down the line have actually asked those who would be relied on for the care if THEY feel it a burden?
Great point.