I got a call from my Dad a few minutes ago. My Uncle (Dad is the oldest of 3 brothers, this was the middle brother) was working in his yard this morning and fell over stone dead. He was in his late 70s and had lived a good, productive life. He was the father of 4 children and grandfather and great-grandfather. A good, deeply religious man who loved to fish and hunt with his family. His farm joined the Cumberland River. He was a proud US Navy veteran and a retired industrial electrician.

We all go thru this as families. My wife just went thru it with a co-worker and dear friend who had been hoping for a liver transplant for a few months. That poor lady suffered terrible pain for some time.

When my Dad called and told me (Dad is 80), I told him I envied his brother for dying the way he did. Suddenly and painlessly. At first Dad didn't know what to say then said "You know, I feel the exact same way".

Is it wrong to hope when one's time to meet our maker comes that it is like my Uncle's passing? I can't find any reason to wish for anything else.

Sympathy isn't warranted. His funeral will be a celebration of his life. I just hope somebody can find enough good to say about me at my funeral to keep folks occupied for a couple of minutes.

Just a reflection----------------------.