IT is true, children and the older generation are pre-occupied with thoughts and fears of death before they go to bed at night (Helen Mead, March 1). When I was a small child I used to say my prayers before being visited by the "Sandman".

They began with the reassuring words - "Gentle Jesus, meek and mild, look upon this little child", but ended with the frightening phrase - "If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take. Amen".

Nowadays, after a full life and with a bloated frame, I wake up in the morning, thinking "Gentle Jesus, I'm still here. Don't look upon me - it's the beer."

Dale Minks,

Ancress Walk, York.

Updated: 09:33 Friday, March 04, 2005