a good day to die

     Is there such a thing as a good death?  Or, a bad death?  Soldiers approach battle knowing full well that they may die that day.  Lakota Sioux leader Crazy Horse would exhort his soldiers with the loosely translated phrase, "let us go!  Today is a good day to die!"  But what about those dying from a chronic illness?  After bearing witness to so many dying, some had a day or two, some had months, I am convinced that there is absolutely such thing as a bad death, and if there is a bad death, there must be a good one.  I am also further convinced that dying is WORK, at least from a chronic illness.  Aside from the physical maladies, existential pain riles underneath.  Soured relationships without making amends.  What happens when I die.  What will happen to my kids.  Can you make the pain stop.  Are you sure there is nothing left to try.  What if......what if......what if......