Death has been around as long as birth has, but these two guys certainly have a vastly different reputation–especially in the west where we disavow anything after this tightly constricting cocoon of life.

So when a companion tells us that her body is breaking down with this and that, that there is a cancer wrapped around her artery and throat singing the siren song for a dramatic ending, I have mixed feelings.  Hurray to take off for the other side!  Congrats on a long 77 year life well lived!  Yipes, sorry, wow, that hurts.  I’m sad.  Are you prepared?  What kind of party do you want to have.

Instead of a wake, she’s having an “Awake” party with her present at her house.  Now that’s a nice way to go–partying all the while.

Our human bodies simply do not last forever; they are tiny protoplasmic vehicles for a short time diving into earth’s dear and brilliant colors.  Today I relish every movement, ache, stretch, yawn, sight, and smell of this precious journey.