[Superman]

I said it in a PM and I'll say it here for all to read. I am more than a little impressed that Sammy doesn't have me on his "Ignore" list and in fact responds to my post with respectful consideration. That is, after some of the remarks I have made to/about him. Shows class, in my view.

I too do not feel sorry for the departed. Again, probably because of my belief system. But I do think of them when they were with us, and experience severe melancholy for my personal loss of not having them in my life any longer. Plus, I think death and consequent grieving is indelibly stamped with the stark reality of death. The knowledge that death WILL come for us, and WILL come for everyone. It's like going to a sports event with the certain knowledge that an athlete will detach an ACL. You feel for them, and it's not a good feeling. Same with all my fellow humans. They will all die, but they will not all accept it or prepare or understand. It's a very scary thing, almost regardless of your spiritual compass, and its impact is the most universal aspect of life. It underscores our pain, our responsibility, our decisions, our lifestyles and our destiny. Our essence.