The Death of Ivan Ilych

         I've been reading a short story called, "The Death of Ivan Ilych", and it tells about a man who always strives to have the perfect life.  Everything has to be "just so" in order for him to be happy. He made his way up in society, he married, he had children, and although everything seemed flawless on the outside, it wasn't in reality.  He worked hard, he always fought with his wife, and he wasn't that attentive towards his children.  His life went "how he wanted" until he got sick.
         He had an agonizing pain in his side and a strange taste in his mouth.  It wasn't a normal sickness, the doctors couldn't figure out what to do.  He went from one specialist or doctor to the next. Ivan was angry because he didn't know what was going on; they wouldn't answer his questions! Was it a serious illness?  He soon came to find out that.. it is.  He might die. He can't accept this reality.
        Slowly, Ivan realized that his death was hanging over him, and now it was just a waiting game.  Everyone was treating him like nothing was wrong, and he hated them for it.  His illness got worse, and soon, he was stuck in bed screaming in pain for weeks.  He always knew death was a possibility, but people never realize that it can happen to anyone, including themselves. He only has one friend, the servant, because he is the only one who understands his situation and pities him. Eventually, Ivan Illych comes to accept his fate. He dies happily, realizing now that his family will be better off without him.
        This whole story not only made me sad, but it really opened my eyes.  It is completely true that people deny death when it comes around to them.  No one thinks that they themselves can die.  Or even their friends. Sure, you'll die eventually, and you hear about death all the time.  However, every person has a part of themselves that can't believe that that would happen to them.  I am very aware of death.  I know it happens, to every one, anywhere, any time.  But I try not to comprehend that it could happen to me anywhere, any time. "The Death of Ivan Ilych" however, made me think about it.