Yes, I have been twice (not near but dead), clinically dead. Heart stopped 8 minutes during surgery, and again heat and lungs shutdown 38 minutes during by-pass surgery. I have made my peace and I am not afraid of death. So I feel quite comfortable joking about it. Also, I was a fan of Ray Charles and believe he was a great musician. He himself often made light of his blindness, as does Stevie Wonder. They both over came their handicap and were not ashamed of it. I will go on laughing ate the Ray Charles jokes and continue to admire him as a man and a musician.