Death Affects Us All

In his book called The Sight, David Clement-Davies explores the development of a society of wolves. This society seeks a mystical power that will protect them from the spread of human hunters, but differences of opinion on what that power is meant to do eventually splits the society into separate camps - one representing the archetype of good, the other of evil. One of the pack leaders (essentially a prophet to its followers) perishes in the final confrontation, leaving the reader feeling a deep sense of loss and even pain.

When we see death occur it changes us in a very real way, particularly if we counted the person among those we love. Whether it is a beloved grandpa who has lived a full life or an innocent child succumbing to leukemia, we each have experienced the loss of someone close to us.

In 1977, all 5 boroughs of New York City experienced a blackout, which led to looting and riots. 1,616 stores were damaged, 1,037 fires were reported, and 3,776 people were arrested. Contrast that with the immediate aftermath of 9/11, when the city instead bonded together to mourn the loss of thousands of husbands, mothers, friends, and neighbors. Death gives each of us new perspective about what really matters. 

Death is not the end of relationships - things like family bonds can last into eternity. When my grandfather passed away a few years ago, my whole family considered it a blessing. He had been struggling with dementia for some time, and usually did not even recognize visitors. Following his death, my grandmother moved in with my parents until her own death a couple of years later. To my grandmother, the loss of my grandfather was hard, but it was a temporary separation from her companion. She knew she would see my grandpa again.

Finally, death is not permanent. Each of us will live again, since Jesus Christ not only suffered for our sins, he also broke the bands of death for each of us. Yesterday I learned of the passing of my Aunt Linda. She was always my favorite part of family reunions as a kid, and I will miss her. Her bout with cancer is over, but death is not the end of her existence. I know that one day she too will be resurrected, she will be reunited with her family, and this sorrow will turn to joy.