In the last few years of my father’s life, long before he got sick, he would often say things like this. You know, at Christmas time he might say “Well, IF I’m here next Christmas”, or at other times he’d emphasize the fact that he’s getting older and therefore he’d be closer to death. I suppose this is something older people, well into their 80’s and later, may say.

I’m aware that there’s an air of truth to these comments in conversations, but, that doesn’t mean I want to talk about it.