This last week I have been preparing paperwork for my will and a health care power of attorney. Not because I expect to die in the near future, but because I believe in being prepared. But placing a dollar amount on my life has put death on my mind.
In Terry Pratchett's The Colour of Magic Death is a character that shows up when the hero is in dire circumstances. Death also figures hilariously in Good Omens a novel by both Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman (who is probably my favorite modern author). In these novels he is personified with the typical cloak and scythe but has a much better sense of humor. (Incidentally I just remembered that in 5th grade I was the Grim Reaper, with a blood-stained tinfoil scythe, for Halloween.) The personification of death in this way is really just an attempt to make sense of something that can seem random and impersonal.
As a member of the United States military I have many friends currently serving or preparing to serve in Iraq or Afghanistan. Because of this I have prepared myself for the possibility of having to attend their funerals. But I was shocked today when I learned that the little sister of a good high school friend had died. Death in a combat zone I understand. Death on a Idaho highway is hard to wrap my head around. Yet it is not all darkness.
The death of such a young, and vibrant person is sad but with a knowledge of the Plan of Salvation I know it isn't a tragedy. She will be reunited with her husband and have the opportunity to raise children. She will continue to live and grow. My heart and prayers go out to her family. I hope they also know that despite the pain and sadness that death brings it is not the end.
My knowledge and testimony of the Gospel gives me peace and understanding when dealing with death. I still fear it and don't know if I could ever be like Peter Pan and declare; "to die will be an awfully big adventure". I am content with having peace and comfort. The rest will have to come later.
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