by Thats Bullshit on 11-06-2009 8:44 pm
my niece, a little over 9 months, would always lull herself to sleep by making this gentle "aeeeiiieee" sound in a continuous manner to herself. it's like she's trying to expel energy to make herself tired so she could sleep, or maybe the sound makes her comfortable, i don't know.
for some reason, whenever she does that, i keep imagining that she's slowly dying, and that the sound she makes sounds like a struggle - trying to grasp her last connection to life in order to live a little longer, just a little more time.
my sister had to go out one night and left to me the baby. in the middle of watching tv(she loves watching commercials), my niece, who was sitting on my lap, started making that telltale sound. i switched the tv off and picked her up, stood up and rocked her gently. by and by, her eyes slowly closed and the sound became softer and softer. and then it stops.
she was finally asleep.
and that night, for a little moment, it felt so heartbreaking. i know it's just her way to make herself sleep, but there's still that strange feeling that she's actually gone and gave up on life. it's that sound. it's alternately beautiful and sad, and well, strange.
if i ever have last words or sounds, i hope it's not something that has the same effect as what my niece does. dying with quiet dignity is a better way to go, for yourself and for those you left.