Time to Go

Earlier today Farrah Fawcett died after a horrific (in my opinion) battle with cancer. And then I got home and my daughter told us that Michael Jackson had died. Michael's death was sudden, apparently a sudden heart attack. Farrah's death process was beleaguered and prolonged through a "courageous" battle against cancer. Farrah's death was more or less expected. Michael's was not. There is no talk right now other than Michael. His demise has pre-empted Farrah's, in a sense.

The shock of a sudden unexpected death elicits a greater response from the public.

Actually, I am relieved for both of them. Farrah's body was tortured with treatments over nearly the past three years. No *real* knowledge of Michael's health exists, supposedly he had physical exams more recently and was training for a new tour. The pilot who was on Continental last week had passed physical exams. None of us know for sure when we might depart. We could all be preparing, couldn't we? Shouldn't we?

What is the best way to prepare?
How can we relate to others?
How can we value every one?

Do we value only those who are "dying"? Do we consider also those who are living?

Should our sympathies be only for those who are diagnosed? Should we maintain a spirit of hopefulness for our transfer as well as others' transfer to the beyond?

Should we be heralding one's transfer as a glorious thing or resisting one's departure because of our selfishness? Who loses and who gains when one graduates?


Psalm 90:12 So teach [us] to number our days, that we may apply [our] hearts unto wisdom.