How it ends--thoughts on life and death

Great stories have great endings. There are many types of endings, but typically the story builds up to a climax. Most people understand what that means, but there is another ending called the anti-climax. It's basically what happens after the big events are over. Generally the anti-climax is fairly short--likely because it isn't usually that exciting and only wraps up the remains of the story. But, it also allows the unexpected jump to a possible new story.

Life is like that too. There are the beginnings and ends, life and death, and everything in between. What's interesting is how we celebrate the very beginning, but tend to leave out the enormity of a life well lived. In a sort of way the story of our lives starts with the climactic birth and the rest is anti-climax. But, there's another way to look at it, and that's to put death at the climax of everything we've done in our long lives. Why let the entirety of life be such a letdown? I appreciate the positive attitude that our lives mean something, are rewarding, and come to satisfying conclusions.

Perhaps I'm being introspective because my dear mother-in-law just died today. Possibly. But, many thinkers have compared life to a story. Shakespeare certainly did, and philosophers beyond number, and even scientists have done so. More than anything, I want my life to be good and wholesome, filled with epic moments and terrifying cliffhangers. The life of my wonderful mother-in-law was such a story. I'll always be grateful to her for bringing my wife into the world and nurturing her into the incredible woman she is now.

Here's to you, Margaret. Heaven is a brighter place now because of you.

- M