"Mike Connor" wrote in message
...

.. . . it seems quite a few people take some time to die, as soon
as they actually start dying that is. In many cases, it seems to be
something that they more or less consciously decide to do, or some
mechanism
takes over from their normal "geist" or "Verstand"( spirit?, "grasp of
life"?).

Yep. Some need to be told that its OK, to "let go," to ride into it. Some
hang on as long as they can, like to wait until a particular friend/loved
one has arrived, and some see it coming and die terrified.

On a more upbeat note . . . it seems that if you are in a situation where
you figure you are a goner, a certain calm seems to take over and you seem
to think very clearly. To some extent you kind of move a bit out of your
body and start observing things from a place somewhat removed.

Also, sometimes great pain can liberate you from terror, given you don't go
too far into shock. If you can ride the pain you can almost feel powerful in
the sense that the pain might be more than you ever thought you could stay
concious thru. Then, later if the pain lessens, you can almost welcome its
presence as confirmation that you are still kicking.

All this said, I still consider morphine, hydrocodone etc to be welcome
wonder drugs.

Dave