I've long hoped that when death came I'd face it this way: conscious, reasonably comfortable, upheld in love. She'd fight for my life, yes, but she understood and honored my desire to go on my own terms. It's been satisfying, my life, and wildly varied; I've done things I'm ashamed of but I don't have many regrets. The next few days, as I slowly regained strength, I continued reflecting on my life, my community, and the nature of happiness. One encourages long steady inhales; the other, enchantingly called a "fluttermouth" by the nurses, stimulates thorough expulsion of the breath.

Source: Daily Sun December 20, 2025 14:10 UTC