I realize in reading this how my appreciation of Halloween came at the same time as my resolving my fears of death; both of which coincided with my sons arrival. He and I had a similar bedtime moment.
I very much related with your story about one of the twins realizing that he’ll die. Hit me because I had the realization the first time as a kid watching Hocus Pocus. I was much older than Wes/Des, but I started having that feeling of dread when a zombie came out of its grave; I thought, “I’m going to be dead one day.” And I freaked the $uck out. The only thing I’ll say is—and you know I’m a big fan of yours—you handled this much better than my mother who just said, “I’m terrified of dying, too, so I don’t want to talk about it.” At 68, she still takes that stance. 🙂↔️
Ahhh how did I miss this comment Amanda!! That’s so interesting yours happened with Hocus Pocus. I remember thinking that dead guy was kinda hot and feeling strange for thinking so haha!! Oh no you’re mom! Smh
This piece has helped me stumble upon a realization about why I like this time of year, too. I have always been comfortable *talking* about death, though my comfort level with the thought of actually dying ebbs and flows. But a lot of people avoid the death topic as much as possible. Maybe because this time of year normalizes it a bit more, I feel like my comfort talking about death "matches" better with the rest of society? Of course, I hate gory horror movies and the scary bits of Halloween (I'm cute-spooky all the way), but still... you've made me ponder, which I always appreciate in a good piece. Thanks!
Thanks for the kind words!! Yeah, I was trying to figure out why I loved this time of year, and felt like it had more to do than just liking horror movies or pumpkin spice lattes (which I do love hahahah). I’ve seen friends and acquaintances doing things like death tables or little things honoring their dead and I just love that, I love that this time allows a space for that.
I realize in reading this how my appreciation of Halloween came at the same time as my resolving my fears of death; both of which coincided with my sons arrival. He and I had a similar bedtime moment.
Love the story. Love the recs.
Wow I love this! How interesting is that. So much of my feelings on death evolved with having kids that’s for sure. Thank you for reading!
The Shining. Yas. 100%.
I very much related with your story about one of the twins realizing that he’ll die. Hit me because I had the realization the first time as a kid watching Hocus Pocus. I was much older than Wes/Des, but I started having that feeling of dread when a zombie came out of its grave; I thought, “I’m going to be dead one day.” And I freaked the $uck out. The only thing I’ll say is—and you know I’m a big fan of yours—you handled this much better than my mother who just said, “I’m terrified of dying, too, so I don’t want to talk about it.” At 68, she still takes that stance. 🙂↔️
Ahhh how did I miss this comment Amanda!! That’s so interesting yours happened with Hocus Pocus. I remember thinking that dead guy was kinda hot and feeling strange for thinking so haha!! Oh no you’re mom! Smh
This piece has helped me stumble upon a realization about why I like this time of year, too. I have always been comfortable *talking* about death, though my comfort level with the thought of actually dying ebbs and flows. But a lot of people avoid the death topic as much as possible. Maybe because this time of year normalizes it a bit more, I feel like my comfort talking about death "matches" better with the rest of society? Of course, I hate gory horror movies and the scary bits of Halloween (I'm cute-spooky all the way), but still... you've made me ponder, which I always appreciate in a good piece. Thanks!
Thanks for the kind words!! Yeah, I was trying to figure out why I loved this time of year, and felt like it had more to do than just liking horror movies or pumpkin spice lattes (which I do love hahahah). I’ve seen friends and acquaintances doing things like death tables or little things honoring their dead and I just love that, I love that this time allows a space for that.
This was sweet and sad at the same time, I enjoyed reading it. (brought back memories of when our daughter was younger)
Oh thank you! I love the mixture of sad and sweet ❤️