Matter Of Death, Long-Term Goals, And Gratitude

The Book of Questions, by Gregory Stock, Ph.D. - If you could choose the manner of your death, what would it be?

My first choice would be with my family at my side with me until I take my last breath. Going to sleep and not waking up would be second. This is a bit of a struggle between the two.

The Book of Questions, by Gregory Stock, Ph.D. - Would you prefer to die a hero's death, die a martyr to some great cause, die in a natural catastrophe, or die peacefully? Why is it so tempting to have death catch us in our sleep? How do your feelings about death influence the way you lead your life?

My preference is to die peacefully. I had a near-death experience and after that experience, I am not afraid to die. I had a respiratory code, and when I awoke I felt good. No worries, just a refreshed, relaxed state.

For a hero's death, I would need to be a hero. I used to feel like a martyr, but no longer, and even though there are great causes I believe in, I do what I can in life. Why would anyone prefer to die in a natural catastrophe?

Being diagnosed with a cancer that is treatable, probably not curable has me doing all I can to prevent a reoccurrence. I will continue to do what I can as long as I am able, which means reading, writing, working part-time in a helping profession I am interested in.

The Book of Questions, by Gregory Stock, Ph.D. - Do you have any specific long term goals? What is one and how do you plan on reaching it?

In September of 2030, I will have fifty years of recovery from my drug and alcohol addiction. Not dying and continuing to work a good solid recovery program is my way to make that goal.

A bit shorter goal is continuing to write. Finishing my grant-funded book by June of 2026, and hopefully sooner. As none of us have any idea when our time is up, it does make sense that at age 71, I may need to finish sooner than the time allowed, to be sure I get it done.

Then, I am not done writing. I've always wanted to write books for all ages, and art has been the drawback to that project. A book started years ago was not finished because of the art. The storyline was complete, with the idea that some of the words could be cut out with the right pictures.

Over the years several artists, four to be exact, attempted but didn't finish. I think it is my turn and my co-authors' turn to create the art to finish this book.

The Book of Questions, by Gregory Stock, Ph.D. - For what in your life do you feel most grateful?

When I was 24, I had trouble thinking of one thing to be grateful for when my sponsor asked that I write a daily gratitude list. Today, I can write pages and maybe even a small book with what I am grateful for today.

My children would top my list. I believe they saved my life. I had two children at age 24. It was important for me to be in recovery for my children, so my recovery has been so important to me over the years since 1978.

Having religious freedom that started in 1978 as well, has helped tremendously. Culture is healing for me.

My husband is my soulmate and brings me great joy, most of the time. I need the disclaimer as marriage takes work and isn't always smooth sailing. There are enough good times to coast through the not-so-good times though.