Two friends passed away recently: I knew each for what seems like forever and the suddenness forced me to think of my own mortality. One was unexpected, the other had cancer: but the finality of both was a sobering reminder that nobody lives forever. As we grow up and mature we think we’ll live forever and there’s not much thought and planning that go into preparing for this eventuality – we all want to think it’s way out in the future, something that won’t visit us personally for a long time. Then you read something like this and know that’s not true. The words spoken at funerals are meant to comfort but at times like this their impact hits home: when the Rabbi intones “his or her memory shall be blessing” it’s too topical to avoid. They remind us it’s not what a person hasbut rather what he or she isthat’s important. In the end it’s not about having the most toys: it’s about being a person of integrity and good character. Live righteously today, and every day.
Oscar Wilde (1854 – 1900): Irish poet and playwright
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