Originally written Mar 18, 2005
I have had a few months to reflect on the tsunami that killed upwards of 250,000 people in Southeastern Asia . I have heard sermons, read obituaries, and seen images that evoked a range of emotions. I have talked to people that tell me we should celebrate the life of the deceased and not dwell on the death. And I have attended a memorial in the past with this same sentiment. The memorial service was celebrating the life of a former college professor of mine who died prematurely and in “celebration” the service was held on the beach at one of his favorite surf spots. I suppose this memorial service was intended to be a kind of subtle reminder of the new day we all have as we reflect on another’s death. I have also heard the plaintive conversation between a mother and her child:
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“Mommy, do you and Daddy love me?”
“Of course we love you, Honey! Why do you ask?”
“I was just wondering who will love me when you die.”
That child was asking a much deeper question than most of the commentaries and analyses I have read over the deaths that occurred that December 26, 2004 . That child did not realize the existential angst behind the question and if asked about the feelings that provoked the question that child would not be able to tell you why he asked that. He only knew, at that moment, he was scared of being alone. I know, because that child was me.
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