Death Is Part of Life

　　《365个英语小故事》:实用简洁的小故事，都是日常生活小故事，在学习英语的同时了解美国文化，循序渐进，轻松掌握。

　　Happy birthday! This is your dad calling, Dad said. Dad always identified himself, as if after 60 years Joel didnt recognize his own dads voice. Well, youre getting pretty old, arent you? Dad asked.

　　I sure am, Joel said. In fact, Im the same age you were 20 years ago!

　　Yes, whod ever think that they wished they were 60 again, said his dad. This aging process is certainly no fun.

　　You can say that again, Joel said. But as they say, its a lot better than the alternative. As long as youre reasonably healthy in mind and body. They both agreed.

　　His dad and mom were still quite active. They lived together in their house. They both drove. They both played golf regularly and were active volunteers in the community.

　　But, such independence would not last forever. Both of them would eventually need part-time or full-time nursing assistance at home, or maybe even have to be moved into a nursing home.

　　What a quiet end that will be, Joel thought, to such fun, productive, and eventful lives. Lying in a bed in a nursing home, waiting for relatives and friends to come visit. Waiting for the nurses aide to bring medication, dinner, or an extra blanket. Waiting for help to use the bathroom.

　　Much of that time spent waiting would also be spent in thought. What do people think about when they know their time is almost up, Joel wondered.