LIFE

Every two years I have to do a stress test and echo-cardiogram. And it never fails, I get to thinking about life and death and the meaning of it all. I suppose that is normal, particularly when you are so intently focused on you and your present state of health. Probably another factor in my current searching is the fact that it has been twelve years since my brush with death due to a staph infection after heart surgery. Couple that with several friends who are now struggling with their health, and my mind seems to have turned to life and death issues. We hardly ever want to die, although I am certain there are times when that might be best. We search for life, hoping that good health will follow us all of our days. But it seldom does. In the ever flowing circle of life, death takes its place in the circle. Neither life nor death stand to be judged. They just are. We make of them what we will. Some people who are alive are already dead, and some of the dead continue to have as much life as you or I. Ends up it all seems to be in the daily living. The how. I've always thought a life well lived really never comes to an end. Sure, our body gives out. We run out of time. But a lot lives on. This is our shot at immortality. The memories, the stories, pictures, ideas, accomplishments, career, the family we leave behind. You wonder what people will say about you. In the end, I never come up with a whole lot. I would be satisfied with, "He was a good guy." While that's not compellingly overwhelming, it would do.