I attended the wake of a good man last night. As I walked into the room to say a prayer and pay my respects, I viewed the man's wonderful, devoted family. To see them all standing there was a beautiful testament to this man's good life. Clearly this man nurtured a strong, loving, good family with his steadfast, humble, hard work, love, and care.
Whenever anyone I know passes, I try to think of one of their awesome traits that I want to bring forward, and for this man, it is his grace. As a true gentleman, he quietly lived a good life devoted to those he loved in countless ways. I want to strive for a similar grace and devotion to my family.
It is very sad to see good people pass. We know the strength that these people have brought to their loved ones, community, and good living, and to see them go is very sad. Yet, we do get to see their good living alive in the people they've been closest too, and we see those people forward the goodness the person who has passed left them with. That brings hope, and gives a good life meaning.
At my age, I am beginning to see many good people that I've known for decades pass away, and as I say goodbye, I return to the question, What is a life well lived? So far those closest to me who have passed have left me with the examples of good lives filled with zest, grace, compassion, commitment, warmth, joy, imagination, and lots of love.
The only way that I can make sense of death is to see each person's life as an example of the good that life can be, and to use that good as a lesson and leader for my own life. Onward.