As The Bell Tolls

Have you ever wondered about the inevitability of death? The fact that it spares no one, no matter how much we try to evade it, is both a haunting and compelling thought. Speaking from personal experience, I have been noticing a significant increase in the occurrence of deaths of people I used to know. This year alone, I have received news about the passing of several individuals, ranging from Police Academy and high school classmates to my own cousin, the husband of a dear friend, and the mother and brother of another. With several more months to go before the year ends, I cannot help but feel apprehensive about what the future holds.

To be honest, death is not a new concept to me. It is something that I have lived with and have been aware of for most of my life. What has changed, however, is the fact that most of my family members, including those in the extended family, are now younger than me. It is strange to think about, but it is a paradigm shift that I cannot ignore. As I enter my golden years and become known as a Senior Citizen, I cannot help but wonder when exactly this happened.

While I have not experienced the loss of a sibling in the past 74 years since my twin brother passed away at the tender age of four, I recognize that it is only a matter of time before it happens. As time passes, the inevitability of the inevitable looms before us, and the fear of losing someone we love becomes more profound. The thought of living in a world without my siblings terrifies me, as I know that I will miss them dearly.

Contemplating the recollections of departed loved ones, I comprehend the vastness of those no longer with us, a realization that brings both sorrow and introspection. My personal beliefs lead me to envision a welcoming gathering on the other side, should the afterlife exist. However, while it is my desire that my loved ones retain memories of me, I wish for them only to hold onto the positive aspects of my life, and let go of any negative recollections.

Finally, I would like to emphasize the importance of reconciling with estranged loved ones, especially siblings. We never know when our time on earth will end, and it would be a tragedy to lose someone without mending broken relationships. So, if you have the opportunity to fix things with your loved ones, take it. Life is too short to live in regret. Remember, we never know who the next person will be to receive the fateful call about an unexpected loss.