death and dying, new and eternal life. yes, it's sad, especially for those left behind, but in the end, the deceased have moved on to a better place. if anything, it should be a time for rejoicing, a time of celebration, like a graduation, or a party for someone getting a new job. i'm not saying there shouldn't be mourning, or a missing, or longing that they should still be here, but in the end, it's a good thing. it's something we all eventually do, that circle of life and death. is a big picture view too far back? does it remove some of the humanity, the compassion? i hope not.