This week a friend of mine died unexpectedly – a fellow sailor, a husband, and father of 3, who worked in the IT industry by day, and sang karaoke at night.

This week is also the 3 year anniversary of the unexpected death of a cousin of mine who was my age.

Mom died not too long ago, not unexpectedly, but creating a great hole in our hearts.

An aunt died without any warning signs, mourning the loss of her husband 2 years before.

My sister-in-law’s brother died this year unexpectedly as well.

The impact of all these losses piles up, in the mind.   And it causes me to pause.   And maybe because of that when I saw this quote posted this week, it touched me:

So live your life that the fear of death can never

enter your heart.

Trouble no one about their religion;

respect others in their view, and demand that

they

respect yours.

Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all

things in your life.

— Chief Tecumseh’s Words of Wisdom

I shall strive to do so.