“The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.” – Mark Twain
As we lay my grandfather to rest today, I can’t help but think about death. The first emotion that comes to mind is fear. But I realized yesterday, as I gathered amongst family at my grandpa’s wake – it’s not that I (and we) are afraid of dying. We’re afraid of not truly having lived a full life.
My grandpa, a marine, a husband, a father to four, a grandfather to five, and a friend to many, lived a full life. He passed away Saturday, suddenly, peacefully, and I believe with the comfort in his mind of a man who accomplished great things. Not fearful of death because of his confidence in knowing he lived a full life.
May we all be so fortunate. May we all be reminded today and everyday that our lives our precious – and that the fear we have about dying can only be subdued through living. May my grandfather rest in peace today and everyday knowing the profound impact he had on the lives of myself and many.