Life and Death

Greenwoods 2009
nixasis

*Look at the sky

Tell me what do you see

Just close your eyes

And describe it to me

The heavens are sparkling

With starlight toni

ght

That's what I see

Through your eyes...

Death. It's too grim a topic to discuss or even mention in conversations. Yet it is an inevitable part of life. It is just there- lurking around the corner, waiting until that fateful day comes for us to enter the gates.

Though we know that it is the final destination for everyone, death remains to be shrouded with mystery. What is on the other side? Is there something beyond this earthly existence? If paradise exists and is truly beautiful, why is the transition painful? And why do we know little of this enigmatic voyage? We are only told that if we are good, we're assured to have a piece of that so-called heaven; if not, another place awaits. But is that it? Do we have more details of this contract we're bound to eternity?

No matter how many books I read on or how many people I talk to about this, I will never fully understand the mystery behind the whole death business. Why write about this subject then? The abrupt passing of a dear colleague made me think of the unknown hallowed portal. Surprisingly though, it triggered me to ponder on life as well.

Unfortunately, I didn't have the opportunity to get to know her better. Her demise taught me this though: live your life the best way you can. Take risks; life is too short to waste on cowardice. And love. Never scrimp on giving love. It is never too much; its abundance is always enough.

The overwhelming number of people who came to pay their last respects is a testament of how great a person she was, how she is still dearly loved. She had guided her students tirelessly, touched the hearts of her colleagues, shared laughters with friends and poured unconditional love to her family. She was a sweet daughter, a loving wife, a great teacher and a good friend. Even in her passing, she was teaching us the greatest lesson of all: how to live a life with no regrets, just full of love and meaning.

...And there are some things we don't know

Sometimes a heart just needs to go

And there is so much I'll remember

Underneath the open sky with you forever*

Thanks Ms. Kelly. We know you are in a better place. Till we meet again.

*From Ms. Kelly's favorite song "Looking Through Your Eyes"