The year I was born Albert Einstein died on April 18, at age 76 at the University Medical Center at Princeton University. Professor Einstein’s abdominal aortic aneurysm burst, creating internal bleeding and severe pain. Though he went to the hospital he refused further medical treatment. saying, “I want to go when I want. It is tasteless to prolong life artificially; I have done my share, it is time to go. I will do it elegantly.”

Slight variations of his refusal of emergency medical attention have been reported, but they all agree that he refused and knowingly chose to die at that time. It is Professor Einstein’s example that I will follow with my life. Of course my life is not nearly as valuable as Professor Einstein’s. I am 65 and hail and healthy, but I know I cannot remain that way forever. So, I choose to take the first bus, to heaven. This means that in all likelihood I will someday make a decision where I feel a bit of regret that I do not have more time.