The End Is Always Near...and then there was Lazarus

Ever been to a funeral? I don't mean as a spectator and I don't mean as the guest of honor either...legend has it that happened over 2,000 years ago to some over the hill dude named Lazarus.

(The thought just occurred to me. I hope he wasn't brought back as he was before he died. I mean he was alive, but did he still have rotten teeth, swollen prostate, sciatica, psoriasis, constipation, cataracts, bunions, lumbago, osteoarthritis and ED he suffered with for years prior to his checking out for what he thought was to be for good? Etiquette aside, and in conscience, he couldn't complain. The Lord just brought him back to life, but I envision him hobbling over to the SOG and the conversation going something like this:
Laz-    Lord I thank you for returning me to life. I am humbled and hereafter promise to do your will.
SOG-  You've done well Lazarus. Spread my word among the people (obviously since no direct quotes are available I had to fabricate this repartee).
Laz-    Lord you brought me back as I was and I was unable to travel or even pee when I need to go.
SOG-  I see. Hmmm...hadn't thought of that.

According to the Good Book Lazarus did some great work after he came back to life for which he was Sainted, so my flight of fancy is just that...mere insipid drivel.

As I said way back there in the pre-drivel regarding funerals, going to one that is in honor of someone with whom you were somewhat close either via their being extended family, casual friend or business associate, certainly serves as a somber reminder of our own mortality. They say we begin to die on the day we are born. That is certainly a glass 3/4 empty outlook. "Damn the optimism! Full speed ahead."
The difference comes when you lose someone close to you.  Your perception of reality changes. Once in the grip of grief things previously banal and ignored become unjust and disrespectful. You watch in silence as the world eerily continues its normal day completely ignoring the pain from your loss. The void left by the loved one now gone causes not even a ripple in the wake of time. How unfair. There should be weeping and a rending of garments! Attention must be paid! I just doesn't work that way.

Legacy. What is our legacy? Will we leave our mark? Will our name only appear in some government file and on certificates recording our birth and death? Am I Google searchable? Will anyone want to search? Our progeny act as our legacy. They are the continuation of our lineage but what does that mean other than our bloodline will bear more fruit and expand our ancestor's lineage through another generation. But is that a legacy?

Another form of legacy is the mark you make in this world. For some that might simply be the inscription on a headstone and in the family Bible. For others it could be a photograph, piece of art or music,  Our family will most likely miss us the most. They will be the ones left to deal with the missing piece that completes the mosaic of our lives...this time.

Mend your fences. Mind your manners. Make the best out of your time and most of all find some happiness. Remember it comes from inside you. Happy is a state of mind.

Next time a funeral passes and you are on the street stand still, remove your hat and show respect for those passing. Remember the family members in that funeral procession are having those intense feelings. Show them attention is being paid. Yes, the sun keeps shining and for everyone else it's just another day. But for the sake of those who grieve show some understanding and support.
Remember, at any time you too could be leading or following in that procession.