THIS is Real Life

    I can say, with 100% certainty, that all of you, gentle readers, will one day "shuffle off this mortal coil." And when you do, someone, somewhere...someone you may not even know...will read your obituary. Those sweet little tidbits that show up on the back pages of newspapers or on-line are our send-offs...our "grand finales" if you will...a three paragraph biography of the individual that we are and what mattered to us and those who love us.

    Most of us will not have front page stories written about us. We won't show up on "Dateline", "Entertainment Tonight" or even the local news. For the most part, we won't be murdered...or kidnapped...or invent a perpetual motion machine. And I highly doubt that very many of you will be attacked by cannibals, zombies or Kardashians. The odds are slim that we'll ever save a baby seal from the jaws of death or dance with has-been stars on TV.

    No...our "Real Life," the written fingerprints of our individuality, shows up in our obit.

    I love reading them. I don't have to know the person to enjoy reading about them. I love seeing what was important to these non-famous, run-of-the-mill, but dearly missed people. History...the bedrock and foundation of what mankind finds important...can be found in the death notices.

Those that love to paint, give hugs and diligently care for their wife with Alzheimers.
Those that are devoted to their children and spouse and who never miss The Price is Right and reruns of MASH.
Those that are PTA presidents and engineers and businessmen and bakers.
Those that served their country and their God through military and religious service.
Those that like to garden and go to the cabin and make quilts and knit caps for babies.
Those who were a husband, a father, a friend, a scoutmaster, a church man.
Those that had poor health but were cheerful nonetheless.
Those that leave behind children, siblings, and grandchildren.
Those that leave no one behind.
Those who love to hike and fish and drive a tractor and go to Vegas.
Those who stay long and those that leave too early.
Those that, even in death, still find the ability to give..."In lieu of funeral flowers, give flowers to someone you love while they can still enjoy their beauty and sweet fragrance. Mom would have liked that."

    Yes...if you want to find out what Real Life is all about...just turn to the obituary page!