End of Days

Been thinking about end of life lately.  Friends and relatives passing tends to do that to you.  So many of my friends have lost one or both parents, or are having to prepare for the end as health issues and quality of life issues get more critical for our folks.  Lost my dad in 2004 and mom’s memory of the past is gone now.  It’s that whole circle of life thing, with our kids starting families, parents passing on and us having health and early aging issues, while still providing help for our parents now and kids as needed.  It’s always been this way, for our parents, their parents and on back in time.  It feels comforting to be a part of this pattern of life on the planet for me.  Like being part of a flowing river or the wind blowing through the trees.  Each little drop or air molecule doing its part in a bigger movement that has gone on as long as time.  Some think this makes their own life inconsequential, but I think it makes it that much more beautiful.  Beautiful in that we can see and do so much in the time we are given to touch others, take care of others, see, hear, do and enjoy life and also in the whole majesty of life.  Yes I miss and grieve for family, friends and even pets passing, but I also want to celebrate their existence and remember for as long as I can.  When it is my time, I hope to go with a fond regard for what I have lived and no regrets for what I have not.  I have to say, I feel very grateful at this point in life and believe I am ready when my time comes.  And if that time was tomorrow, I hope you will remember my crazy ramblings with a degree of fondness as well.