Stating the Obvious - Too Obviously?

This morning, in my pigeonhole at Frome College, I received my rota for assemblies next term. Of the 14 assemblies that I am down to do, yet again I didn't get one of the choices that I had been really keep to talk about - 'death'. I am not sure why, but maybe it's because I will not edge round the subject with caution, but face it straight on. Is death really such a taboo subject on this earth?

In the film, 'Patch Adams' (if you haven't seen it, why not?!) there is a scene where Patch is addressing a board of doctors, and comments after they asked him what would happen if a patient in his care died; to this question, Patch responds,

"What's wrong with death sir? What are we so mortally afraid of? Why can't we treat death with a certain amount of humanity and dignity, and decency, and God forbid, maybe even humor. Death is not the enemy gentlemen. If we're going to fight a disease, let's fight one of the most terrible diseases of all, indifference."

Whether this was something that Patch Adams said in real life, or made up for the film, I totally agree with it. There is only one thing certain in this life; that thing is death. It won't go away if we decide that we shouldn't talk about it - in fact, I believe that when we do make something, such as death, a taboo then it will sneak up on us and damage us all the more as we see loved ones die, whether suddenly or over a long period of suffering. And although 'It will never happen to me', I could also suddenly be faced with a personal knowledge that I have only weeks left to live. If that were to happen, how do I suddenly face it if I've never allowed myself to face the one-day expected?

I think I may have already posted something like this a while ago, so apologies if I'm repeating myself!! MB.