Death is the final exit.

When someone we love died, everything changes instantly. Nothing will ever be the same again. The world becomes an entity different place, alien, and cold, empty without the presence of that person we love.

When one quarrel with loved one, there is often reconciliation, maybe compromise, or we go our separate ways. If a loved one decides to live somewhere else, in another place, it is easy to reach out to them, speak to them on the phone, and send an email or text. In other words, to remain part of their lives is not difficult at all. Death does not offer that consolation. Death is a final exit.

Memories. Those are what are left in our heart, abundant memories that will be with us until the day we die. They are founded on reality, on things that actually happened, so they are true. And because of this they offer real solace.

My father died many years ago. I was in total shock, filled with sorrow, grief and guilt. At the same times with happiness because I was with him and get to tell him how much I loved him and what he mean to me. Most of all, I was happy to be there to say goodbye.

Unfortunately, my mom and sibling did not get a chance to say goodbye and the guilt ate them up for many years afterwards. They came a few hours later but it might as well be months or even years later. It was too late.

When death came, that shy pale house, he insistently snatched his prize and was gone suddenly there was nothing a void, emptiness, a shattering silence. But inevitably the memories do come back. Very slow at first, they are nonetheless sure-footed and they bring a measure of comfort.