Article February 28, 2005 Issue

A LOOK AT LIFE

'WHAT WENT OUT FOR TO SEE?' MATTHEW 11:8

By Ginny Luedeman

DINNER WITH MY MOM AND DAD WAS NICE that Friday night. But not when Mom reminds us that she doesn't want to live to be 90, because of all of the physical challenges associated with aging. And 90, for her, isn't too many years down the road.

Death isn't a fun dinner topic, but Mom and Dad are facing the loss of some dear friends, as well as other struggles of aging. Talking can make it easier. We comfort one another in the reminder that the spiritual qualities our friends express are forever. We all agree that there's more to those we care about than what dies. Still, there's a sense of loss to deal with. Death isn't easy for most of us to face. In fact, it can be a scary unknown.

The next morning, without thinking much about it, I check the fish tank. I take no notice of the lovely fish swimming in and out of the rocks. Instead, I search the top of the tank to see if any of them have died. I try to remove any I find before the kids get up, wanting to spare them the sadness. Not long ago I found a floating fish, but the remaining ones have been with us a long time now.Isn't this the loving thing to do?