Discussions on Death, Dying, Grief and Loss

Death is a mystery in anyone’s terms. A person is here one moment and gone the next… forever. Yet, we never think of them beforehand as gone, even if we’re expecting them to die. We are never ready for death; theirs or ours.

It’s the absence of the person that we grapple with. We just cannot reconcile it, and as human beings we don’t like to be in positions like that.

Death itself is not a popular topic for discussion, generally.

I was so shocked recently to learn of the loss of a geographically distant but close enough friend. We had helped each other, prayed for each other and each other’s family, and journeyed together from opposite sides of the globe. Now he’s gone. He was 47.

I looked at a photograph of this man with his family – taken years ago – and they had so much potential. None of what we know now impinged on that perfect image.

If only we had insight into how things might turn out; about who may not be here in a year or two, six months, or tomorrow. We take too much preciousness for granted.

DEATH, IF WE’RE NOT AFRAID OF IT, PROMOTES DISCUSSION

Because events like death are so finalising, and so incomprehensible, they invite discussion if and when we’re ready. We need to talk about it when we are ready.

If we’ve not been lacerated by the claw that is death we are possibly in awe of the mystery of the concept, which is no morbid appreciation besides an abnormal preoccupation, which might invite worry on the part of loved ones regarding potential for suicide, possibly.

Death gives us a better appreciation for life. It puts life into a more awesome and delicate perspective; life suddenly takes on more of an eternal value. Appreciation for life creates energy and energy finds an outlet in discussion and spending time together. The togetherness exacted from discussion promotes healing. These are transactions of love to fuel life.

DEATH BEYOND DISCUSSION

What is certain, however, is that beyond discussion death is likely to silence us into a reflective mood which reminds us that we all owe God our physical death. It’s the price of life, for what is living must eventually die, just as what goes up must ultimately come down.

Beyond that, if we believe, we have Glory to look forward to.

But death is beyond discussion when all is said and done. So many parts of the dying and post-death realities cannot be, in truth, value added through talk. Nothing can add value to death unless we consider the person dead to be in heaven. Even then there’s a limit to how much we can discuss the fact.

And concepts of heaven have us marvelling at what that might be like; for we see a creation that is mind blowing – how might heaven be supremely more stupendous?

Death: like it or not, it’s an enigma generating both discussion and silence. Nothing will change that.

© 2011 S. J. Wickham.

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The Role of Early Childhood Educationv

Every child needs to experience early childhood education before they attend kindergarten. This experience offers support to prepare children for decision making later on in life. It also creates a foundation for the education they will receive as they grow older. Various support systems and services have been put in place by the federal government to provide high quality early childhood education.

Apart from passing on knowledge to children, early education for children teaches self worth and progress. The programs offer both emotional and social care for children to prepare them to face the world. Traditional forms of education do not include programs that encourage early childhood development.

During the first 8 years of a child’s life, they are able to perceive information and adapt to the surroundings. They perceive this information through education and social interaction. Teachers, parents, caretakers as well as friends play a significant part in a child’s life. In the first two years, a child will become aware of their identity and learn how to socialize with others. This kind of education can teach children how to identify their role in the society and take initiative. Once a child starts to make decisions, they can take on various tasks.

Early childhood education helps to enhance development for children. The education programs teach children how to communicate once they develop their senses. Communication is one of the most important aspects of growth and this is one of the areas that are highlighted during early childhood education. Once a child starts to perceive ideas and things, they can use the sensory organs and communicate and this is why you need to get early childhood education for children.

Childhood education allows a child to become aware of his or her motor abilities. Once they are aware of their motor abilities, their intelligence will be enhanced. The programs enable your child to start questioning his or her imagination and motives. A child is able to develop her interpersonal skills through their interactions and the environment they live in.

An individual’s sense of comfort and security is developed during childhood and if they lack parental care, it can damage his or her perception. Parents determine a child’s social and mental health and this will determine their ability to make decisions when they get to adulthood. Childhood education allows a child to nurture his or her natural talents when they are young. Guardians should help to nurture talents and make a child feel worthy during childhood development.

The programs of childhood education are designed to instill a sense of self-worth in children. This makes it easy for children to make sense of the things that happen in their lives later on. When a child’s self-esteem is developed, they are able to make a significant and progressive impact in their surroundings in future. Some of the most important areas of early childhood development that the early childhood education programs focus on include developing motor skills, socializing, communication and reading.

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