Recently an article was published in the Bothell-Kenmore Reporter (March 3), describing the fate of a man who lived inside a camper. This article, while giving the factual perspective as a journalistic article should, was written coldly and with a lack of respect to the deceased, mentioning this “body” having been in an “advanced state of decomposition.”

Although it is commonly acknowledged that such cases do happen, the deceased having no friends or relatives dies quietly by themselves. However at the mention of this, one initially shakes their head saying the usual, “that’s unfortunate … very sad.”

Indeed it is unfortunate to die in a camper, and to be found months later. But more unfortunate is to be written about in such a cold and factual manner, which produces pitiful glances from those such as I, who immediately judge the apparent lack of a “life,” for this “body” as we quietly affirm that our life and therefore death is different: we are loved, we will not die alone. However, as for the state of our death, can it be truly known that we will die surrounded by those who love us, and those desperate to make amends and cleanse their guilty souls?

The process of deceasing is in the end an individual, personal experience; none go with us as we depart. Therefore, it is important that we respect this “body” and be not pitying in our judgments but respectful in our understanding that one day it will be us quietly decomposing, alone in our campers.

Rachel S. Ohrenschall