Comment 9 by aroundtown :

Much appreciated and noted. I hope to "pass" as bravely, and as staunchly adamant in my non-belief. I recently lost the best friend I ever had in this life and by odd coincidence it just happened to be a small little dog that nobody wanted. He became the friend I never expected. I tried to keep him going but he just became to sick and in an effort to ease his suffering I took him to the veterinarian to have him put to sleep but within minutes of arriving there he simply stayed in my arms and died right there with a beautiful gaze on his face. The reason I tell this tale for the first time is this - I made a pact to myself that if I could die as bravely as he did I will have won the game. Oh how I miss him.

aroundtown I know exactly how you feel. I lost my best friend just before Xmas. She died in my arms looking at me after 12 years of the best friendship. Wish I could say something to help, but I do know how painful it is.