Mr. Cool

Today marked the second funeral I've been to in as many weeks. Eight days, to be precise. The first was short and small, no time to let my emotions get the better of me. But today's was much longer and larger. It was an interesting reuinion of sorts: so many teachers I hadn't seen in almost two years were there, all paying their respect.

The service was beautiful and touching. And despite my already high level of veneration for an amazing human being, I found that level increasing that much more after all I learned of his life tonight. I cried. I cried for one of my favorite teachers ever, and I cried for my grandmother too. Discretely of course, but tears nonetheless.

I've learned something, though. There's almost always a good and a bad with everything situation. These people may no longer be with us, and to us, that seems terrible. But perhaps there's a certain peace that accompanies death. Heaven or not, there has to be at least a relief with the conclusion of pain and suffering.

The pastor mentioned an intriguing observation he made in the obituary section. To the left of Mr. McCoole was a 93 year-old woman, and to the 42 year-old man's right was a 19 year-old young man. This juxtaposition just shows how unpredictable life truly is. You can't live with any regrets, except for those that are too late to ameliorate. You have to live every day as if it might be your last. Carpe diem. And make sure to never end a conversation with someone you care about on a bad note. Regardless of how bad a fight you may have had or whatever, make sure they know you care.

To me, life is about living to the fullest, and loving with all your heart. And I hope everyone close to me knows that.