The mystery of death
In this age, there are places to find answers to almost any question. There are few areas that are truly unknown. There is however one question that nobody anywhere can answer. What happens when we die?
It seems that most people avoid thinking about dying. It is the great unknown and full of mystery and is actually pretty scary. So for many, it is best to avoid thinking about it. At least until something happens in your life that makes it hard to ‘not’ think about.
That’s what happened to me after attending my brothers funeral.
A few days after returning home I was watching a football game on t.v. and there were about 80,000 fans in the stands. That was when I came to a realization. Something I had never thought about before.
It struck me that in 100 years from now, most likely every single person in that stadium would no longer exist. Every fan, player, broadcaster, peanut and beer seller would have experienced death.
Not only that.
Every one I work with or drive by on the freeway or see in the movie theater will be gone. As will all of my family. So will every head of state, movie star, billionaire and beggar. Every King, President, and Prince. All of us–every person on earth will one day face the mystery of dying. Death knows no boundaries. Every person on earth, of every color, every religion, regardless of station in life–ALL of us–will confront the grim reaper. Some sooner and some later. Some violently and some quietly.
The human family also shares one other thing.
Nobody. Not one person can say exactly what happens at the time of that final breath. Death is the biggest mystery of life. What happens when the last breath leaves our lungs? When our heart beats for the final time. When our eyes glimpse that last ray of earthly light? When that final thought fills our mind an then is gone? Is it painful? Is it a relief?
Sure. There have been near death experiences. People have been clinically dead for several minutes and brought back to life. Some claim to see bright lights and a long tunnel. Some claim to be floating above their own bodies. Yet, is it really death if you come back to life? We will have to wait to find out. There is just no way of knowing for sure.
It was my brothers wish to have his ashes released into the water at one of his favorite spots. As I watch them drift on the surface of the ocean, I remember thinking. "Is this what it all comes down to? Sixty years of life. Of hopes, fears and the struggle to survive. To make something of ourselves? Are we ultimately just a handful of ashes?"
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