life is precious, but self-directed

There has been a lot of loss lately, and suffering. I am not sure which is worse – prolonged, untreated suffering over the course of years, self-induced and negligent, or the result of that inaction, an extended passage from life. It is difficult to mandate a stubborn, fiercely independent and for most purposes, conscious, if not entirely rational being, to live in any other way. People have the freedom to make choices, even if their decisions may not be the best or the most recommended routes. Sometimes, this realization can be more painful than the death of someone dear and close. Sometimes, people can’t be saved from themselves. It takes awhile to feel comfortable in that realization. Recognizing the limit of one’s control takes awhile to accept.