Aloha Leo,

Having just finished a marvelous hike, miles and miles of pristine wilderness; and I came across exactly two people. Kathy can tell you how many of these hikes we have made, just holding hands, wandering in places where few, and in some cases – where no other human being had stepped foot. It is truly “one on one” with Nature; sharing it with someone you love, adds to the joy. When you are alone with your thoughts, there is no diminishing of either the awe, or the joy.

I read your email and enjoyed the obvious thought that went into it. You have followed your path, and your beliefs, and structured a life you can live, and a death you can appreciate. You mentioned that you had no fear of death, yet, seemed to convey that without your beliefs ; then death becomes just a black hole in the ground. It is there, that we part ways in our thinking.

People like me , Leo, well, we rarely think about the next life. I live this one- and I live it my way. I love being alive. My life has been filled with love, joy, (read : Kathy), mostly great health, and opportunities galore. It is a warm, intelligent, caring life; lived with the subtle thrill of being given another day. I do not need prayers of gratitude at dinner – for I feel grateful that I can eat;  I have never lost that feeling. I don’t feel bad over my bounty, I want everyone to have it. I wake up grateful for what I have. I also earned a lot of it, by just continuing to live well. Luck has some part, but, so does: hard work, drive, support, and encouragement. In some ways, it is a self made life; as is everyones.

It is difficult for some folks, as you implied in your email, to understand that there are folks like me; who literally do not think often, nor deeply, about what ever is next. None of my life was dedicated to making a next life “better”. For those of you who believe in an After Life, it gives you much hope, and comfort. For some, it is an escape from the pain and suffering of this life; forgetting- sometimes- the absolute joy and happiness that this life gives. I am not saying there is a “right” or “wrong” way to think about the next life. I am saying it isn’t important to me. This life- is.

Whatever is next , will come. It does for everyone. The circumstances of death may vary, but, ultimately death comes to us all. The living have to deal with the loss- and live off of memories until their time comes. The deceased? Well, we will know if there is anything after we die,  quite quickly. I have no idea about what is next; and therefore have no fear of death either. I don’t want to go, because I like living. I like my life, my mind, my Kathy, my kids, and my donuts. LOL  I keep trying to be a kinder, more loving,  more forgiving Kevin; because I think Man can aspire to that- without a guiding deity of any kind.

Did we exist before we got here? Good question. Will we exist after we die? Good question.  Is there more to us than our bodies? That seems to be self evident . What that something is, and what it means…that is beyond me. The Grave is not a black hole to me. It is the end of my life. What happens next, is anybodies guess.

My guess is, if there is a “next”; it will be a pretty cool place; as is this one.  if death is the entrance price to that next place, so be it. If death is all there is, so be it. I have now, today, this moment. As far as I can tell, so does everyone else who is alive. So, choosing to be in the moment, the NOW- while still planning for the future days – seems to be a good course of action for me.

In my almost 60 years on this planet, I have considered what happens after I die, very little. I have thought about how folks who will have known or even loved me- will feel at “losing me”. If there is a next life, then it will be a happy reunion of sorts. If there isn’t, well, it was a heck of a run!

So, here is to life, of which Death, is just the final moment-  as quick and final as Birth. Between Cradle and Grave is life, lives.  Or as the famous quote goes: ” Life happens in the ‘dash’ on a tombstone. And it is a dash, for I find life speeding by at amazing speeds; sometimes to fast to do anything more reflective than to go: Wow!

And for what it is worth; I think life has two meanings beyond what we personally give to our own life. One: It is all about Love. Two : Curiosity, is the defining human trait; causing us to use: our intellect, our imagination, and our passion. I will go to my grave, with peace, and perhaps willing to rest; but I won’t go worried! LOL

Smiles , Kevin