To do this bit of writing, I visited an old Episcopalian cemetary in the town where I live. The beautiful old trees, architecture, and markers dating back to Confederate War times always make me feel peaceful and philosophical. One of the things that fascinates me most about this place are some of the epithets, of which I'll share a few of my favorites:
~"Trust, honor, reverence, self control
Gave to his life a sovereign power
And made him one of God's and nature's noblemen"
~"He was a planter, and a Major in the Confederate State's Army. Brave, gentle, generous, and kind."
~"Resting now in her mother's arms
Her spirit lives with us, wherever we find beauty"
I guess one of my personal definitions of a good death is being remembered for living a good life. Reading these epithets makes me want to let go of worrying with the trivialities of life and use my energy for the things that really matter. The kinds of things that will earn a person an epithet of "brave, generous, gentle, and kind". I can think of no greater aspiration, than to leave a legacy such as these 4 words convey.
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