I was on board an L-1011 outbound from Calgary, Alberta, when the plane began shuddering and a sound like machine gun fire erupted from one of the engines. Figuring we were about to die in a crash, my emotional response wasn’t what I would have expected. “Well, it’s been nice,” I thought and was ready for whatever was next. No fear, no anxiety, just resignation.
We didn’t crash. They brought the plane down back at the airport on a runway lined with ambulances, fire trucks, and foam trucks. We learned later that a strut in one of the engines had come loose and been sucked into the turbine blades. The blades being broken one by one was what caused the machine gun sound.
So I expect my reaction to death will be fatalistic and accepting.
a-HA. you were saved to live another day so that NEXT time, you could say, "well, it HAS been nice". The Proper Grammar Gods could not tolerate your sentiment and, alas, here you are. :P
j/k. I don't think that would have been my reaction in that situation. I know you said you didn't think it would be your reaction, either; however, it must be quite a feeling to know, somewhat pretty accurately, what your reaction really would be. You sound like a cool cucumber. :)
I am not afraid of death. But I would not want to be taken away from my family because they need me.