Death

It's always a hard-to-talk-about topic. We lost Brenda's Uncle Max a few days ago and, of course, we feel sad and know we will miss him. Brenda and I visited him at his home in San Marco, California last June. He was suffering gallantly and smiling as always. Two words come to mind when I think about Max: kind and classy. 

A former fighter pilot, Max always liked to drive. I asked his wife, Virginia, why Max wouldn't fly, but how he liked to drive wherever he went. Before I could answer, I said, "I'll bet if Max can't fly it himself, he doesn't want anyone to fly it." She smiled and said that was exactly right. I'm kind of that way myself. If I'm driving with someone else, I just look out the window and hope for the best. There is one good way to drive and that's my way. Anyone who doesn't drive exactly like me is just not a good driver. Although having reached 70, I'm slower and more cautious than I want to be.

When a friend or relative dies, I reflect on everyone I have known who is gone. I do anticipate in the next life we will have a grand reunion. I look forward to seeing my great grandparents, grandparents and parents. I have enjoyed many aunts, uncles and cousins. Also many friends have shaped my life. I'd like to see some of my teachers and see what they think of my life. I tell my children and grandchildren that I have more relatives who have passed on than those still living. So while I posses certain strong beliefs about the afterlife, whatever it holds, I look forward to experiencing what my loved ones have gone through already. I don't believe in a burning hell, but if I am wrong and we're all burning forever, at least we'll be burning together, I don't anticipate that happening, however. I am fortunate to be related to great people and to have great friends. I don't think a loving God would deny any of them. They can orient me when I go on that ultimate journey. And I'll get to see Max again!