Pictures On The Wall

Life and death.

I know someone who just lost someone close to her…way before their time. I’ve been in that situation before. There is a big difference between natural death and premature death. There just is.

I was a pallbearer 13 times before I reached the age of 28, and attended many more funerals on the outside looking in. These were my friends coffins, not older relatives. Car crashes, motorcycle crashes, murder, drug overdoses, suicides, and non self inflicted accidents. Karma, Fate, whatever. They’re still dead, and I often wonder how my relationship would be with them, now, if they were still alive. I often think of these people who are no longer with me, but truth be told, I’ve learned how to compartmentalize my emotions. I miss all of them, more than I can explain…always will, but I’ve learned how “I” must deal with it. It is a life changing experience, and I hope I’m a better person for it. I believe I am.

The death of a loved one or someone you care deeply about is difficult to deal with…to say the least. I’m not preaching, but death will align you with your inner self. I’m not going all whacko on you, but I believe the experiences, I’ve experienced, the questions I’ve asked myself, have made a profound impact on my life. I truly believe this…these horrible events did change my life. I hope for the better.

The softer side:

If you’ve been drinking or drugging, I’m all about taking a CAB/TAXI…but it’s way deeper than that…of course, you know that. I’ve been known to do “one more” shot.

I hang out with a Rugby team…as you know, they drink until it’s all gone or the birds are chirping….I have no problem with that…JUST GET A SOBER RIDE home.
My friend has a son who put together a team (his football mates) of his friends who will come and pick people up, drive them home in their own vehicle…they have a chase car…even buy some beer or whatever on the way home. They do it for free…but their tips are great. You wake up…your ride is in your driveway…and last night was just a memory. Nobody got hurt or had legal problems. Smart call.

I, also, know people who can never forget, and will forever blame themselves for killing their friends…the drivers who survived, or the people who provided the Bad Bad Juju, or the people who stood on the outside looking in. Blame will get you nowhere. In the end, it’s between you and your conscience.
I have learned from experience, that people grieve in different ways.

I have a clear conscience…