How do you want to die?
Happy Friday! Let’s talk about this!
We have a relatively new database up on STLtoday that describes the ways people in Missouri and Illinois have died. Here’s an excerpt from the introduction to the database, which you can explore by clicking this link:
More than 150,000 people die each year in Missouri and Illinois. The information comes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which compiles mortality data for the U.S. from death certificates in each state. Some deaths occur from multiple causes, but an overarching cause is determined for almost all deaths. More than 36,000 people in Missouri and Illinois died of some form of cancer in 2004. In St. Louis City, Jackson County, Mo., and Cook County, Ill., more people died from homicides than motor vehicle accidents in 2004.
In my home county in 2004, for example, 10,712 people died. Of those, the lion’s share were by what is described as “natural causes.” Ischemic heart disease was the leading single cause with 2,529 deaths.
I intend to live a good long life and then die in my sleep quietly at home; it isn’t going to be a surprise to anyone. Wish me luck with that.
How do you want to go?
Kurt is the director of social media for the Post-Dispatch, where he has worked since August 2002. He's been a journalist since 1982, covering municipal government, courts, education and two hurricanes as a reporter before becoming an editor. 
When I was a firefighter I always thought that I would go in the line of duty. Nothing is more sadder or more prestigous than that. Everybody shows up in uniform and you have the honor guard there with playing amazing grace playing on the bagpipes. Now since I dont have my job any more I no idea!
can’t really say
I want to die on my own terms, with dignity and while I still understand what is going on
with a beer in my hand and a smile on my face.
I am getting ready to take a flight for business. I am not afraid of flying, but the thought of death always seeps into my daydreams leading up to the departures (not many fender benders for airplane accidents). At any rate, I always hope my death is quick with no pain. My biggest hope is that I die after my kids are adults, have become good, successful people, and have fond memories of their father.
Unforchunatly most people are unprepared to meet judge Jesus and will be rejected into everlasting darkness. Heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people.No one will be saying boy how did i end up here you will know why if you don’t know what i’m talking about you should really look into the gospel and Get to church of Christ or the called out of Christ.
Interesting. The subject of death is usually a taboo topic. I don’t particularly care how I die, but I hope that it is not the result of someone’s ignorance, especially my own. I do hope that I live long enough to see my young children into adulthood, and to play with my grandchildren a bit.
One of my favorite lines about death is from ‘Braveheart’ with Mel Gibson playing William Wallace; “Every man dies, but not every man really lives.”
Matt 7:21Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
I’m more than willing to die for my country or saving a fellow Soldier but if that does not happen then I need to go before I become old and helpless, a hinderence to my daughter and grandchildren. I will accept any fate as long as it is not long and painful, like cancer or some other terminal illness.
I want to be sold into bondage by a matronly owner at an overpriced fee to an owner in another state and slowly bleed to death when my new owner can’t pay the loan sharks.