Death doesn't bargain.

Death doesn't bargain.

AUGUST STRINDBERG, The Dance of Death

I've been lucky. I haven't had to deal with death the way that some others have. Unfortunately for us, death has a ripple effect: someone you haven't seen in years, an acquaintance you had words with once, and old coworker... an estranged ex lover or friend... you feel it when they're gone.

Today I got a call from a friend who had just learned that her ex had passed away. He appeared in our lives briefly, years ago, and had faded out. He had married, she had married... but they kept in touch. He was merely 28 years old, and he died in a very tragic way. Fortunately for him there was very little suffering, it was over before he could truly process what was happening.

Every day that you wake up is a precious, fragile, gift. You could be killed on the way to work, in a post office shooting on your lunch break, by a medical ailment that you didn't know you had. Life is fleeting- here and gone so very quickly.

I encourage you not to hold grudges. Call those people that cross your mind. Make peace with yourself, with them, before it's too late. Don't burn bridges... Love and be loved. Don't worry about small things, don't let negativity get you down. It's your only life.

Rest in peace, Hardford.