Death is one of life's greatest teachers, and loudest alarms. Death has the power to pull you from the mundane, daily routine that many call life, jam you into focus and give you the insight to live. Being arrogant mortals, we tend to forget that at any moment, any second, our time can come. We forget that we have no say in how we go, and no say in when. Sadly and all to often, what reminds us most of our own mortality is a brush with Death.
Have you ever seen him? Death I mean? Has he ever been so close that you can feel him breathing behind you?
I have seen Death.
I have been close enough to Death to see his face, and feel the cool wave of energy that follows and proceeds him. Close enough to sense the soul departing, to hear a last breath. I have had to learn the lesson of mortality, and it was painful. But learning it has made me a better human. Learning how quickly a life is changed by events not under our control makes one re evaluate one's own life. It makes you stop and take notice of the way you talk to your kids. Makes you look at where you are putting efforts, and the relationships you may be neglecting. It reminds you of what matters. It forces you to open your eyes.
The other thing about Death is, he never travels alone.
My most recent meeting with Death was a particularly harrowing one. The pace of my heart, and the chill on my neck told me how close He was this time. Before I could panic I felt something else. A warm, peaceful buffer between Death and I. Then I heard music. Singing to be exact. Being very familiar with the sweet voice, and warm comfort I knew that my loved ones were safe. Today was not our day. Today Death left with someone Else's loved one. Today I carried my babies home and tucked them in. I get a few more moments.
But, tomorrow it could be me. Tomorrow it could be you.
Have you ever seen him? Death I mean? Has he ever been so close that you can feel him breathing behind you?
I have seen Death.
I have been close enough to Death to see his face, and feel the cool wave of energy that follows and proceeds him. Close enough to sense the soul departing, to hear a last breath. I have had to learn the lesson of mortality, and it was painful. But learning it has made me a better human. Learning how quickly a life is changed by events not under our control makes one re evaluate one's own life. It makes you stop and take notice of the way you talk to your kids. Makes you look at where you are putting efforts, and the relationships you may be neglecting. It reminds you of what matters. It forces you to open your eyes.
The other thing about Death is, he never travels alone.
My most recent meeting with Death was a particularly harrowing one. The pace of my heart, and the chill on my neck told me how close He was this time. Before I could panic I felt something else. A warm, peaceful buffer between Death and I. Then I heard music. Singing to be exact. Being very familiar with the sweet voice, and warm comfort I knew that my loved ones were safe. Today was not our day. Today Death left with someone Else's loved one. Today I carried my babies home and tucked them in. I get a few more moments.
But, tomorrow it could be me. Tomorrow it could be you.
