We Think We Are Going To Have So Much More Time!

The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time." -   --  Mark Twain

One concept which stood out this past few weeks was how many of us think we will exist forever. 

The little things shows us that idea is wrong; like the task of cleaning out old mail or determining what to do with all that stuff collected overtime by someone else. 

Perhaps by ignoring death we feel it will simply forget about us, pass us by a while longer. But you have no ability to deter your departure, regardless of age, health, wealth, space or time. 

Still, aging, illness and dying, remain unspoken about until they become the elephant in the room. Our inability to address leaving our body behind, death, our crossing over, is still mainly a taboo subject in many homes. 

But my observation these past weeks have shown me the beauty and grace possible when such communications take place. 

My father-in-law's- passing was just such an event. We were graced with the opportunity to know what he wanted and of his desire to "go to sleep ethically."  Hospice was simply wonderful in their care. 

Together we nurtured his body and soul until the final moments. It was a beautiful, yes beautiful moment to share. Peace filled the room as his pain subsided. He relaxed into the arms of an awaiting angel to speed his journey homeward. 

I simply could not help but notice.... the process is similar to the one we take getting here, a birth/death a yin/yang cycle. We come and explore, we go back again, perhaps to do it all over another time. 


We celebrate the idea of someone new joining our family, while we morn those leaving. Perhaps we have that backwards. Just think about it for a moment. Someone must leave a safe loving place to come here for as long as their body and soul determine. After that set time arrives they are permitted to return to their safe haven.

My eldest granddaughter visited me the day before she was born, afraid and not to certain she wanted to follow through her life plan. After some assurance she willing joined our family and is a wonderful presence and a joy. But she taught me about life, non life, and life choices.

We are a continuum of life, world without end. Embrace both with openness and love. Live for each and everyday for we know not the time or hour of our departure. Fear not life or death.