January 30, 2010
I received this piece on Benjamin Franklin's reflections on death from one of Norman's batchmates in Peace Corps Nepal 2, Don Messerschmidt which he shared after the death of one of their mentors, Lee Bomberger. It is very heartening, especially if a loved one just departed for the better life.
“A man is not completely born until he is dead.
“Why, then, should we grieve, that a new child is born among the immortals? We are spirits! That temporal bodies should be lent us, while they can afford us pleasure, assist us in making a living, or in acquiring knowledge, or in doing good to our fellow creatures, is a kind and benevolent act of God. When these physical bodies become unfit for these purposes, affording us pain instead of pleasure becoming a burden instead of a blessing, it is equally kind and benevolent that God has provided a way by which we can vacate them.
“Death is that way! Our friend and we were invited abroad on a party of pleasure, which is to last forever. His chair was ready first, and he is gone before us. We could not all conveniently start together; and why should you and I be grieved at this, since we are soon to follow, and know where to find him.”
―Ben Franklin’s letter to his brother Jon's bereaved widow
Peace and Godbless
Gabby
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