I recall that when I watched the last episode of CSI Las Vegas Season 6, I was struck my the statement of Grissom to the effect that he prefers having a cancer because he could prepare for his death and he could say goodbye to his loved ones. In contrast, of course, is the view that death should be more like a thief who sneaks in the night, in which case, you do away with the agony of watching your days run out. Continue reading here.