This is an idea I got today from the Seablogger, who is usually a good read. A thoughtful, lately-become-religious fellow. I share his belief in G-d, if not his particular creed. The expression refers to people who are able to go to their own death without continuing to blame others for perceived or actual wrongs. To forgive them, even reassure them, when one’s own end is near.
My own father, despite his religious belief, was unable to do it. But I suspect it is not a common thing. Indeed, I’ve only known one who achieved it. He was a scientist, and so I could presume that he was not religious, since so few of them seem to be nowadays. But, then, I really don’t know. If he wasn’t, if he had nothing to gain, so to speak, that makes his compassion in death all the more impressive.
THE TEXAS SCRIBBLER 