James Taylor - Fire and Rain
Hearing this song for the first time as a Senior in High School was a profound moment. Death was a far, far away place, but it was real. Death was as much heaven or hell, as it was the North or South pole. I lived a fearless life, without much worry for recourse or consequences.
I’m not sure what exactly changed over time. A healthy dose of respect for religion and a better relationship with my family certainly helped, but the bottom line is I don’t think I’ve ever really feared death as much as I’ve learned to enjoy living. As much as I’ve learned to enjoy feeling emotions, both good and bad. Learning now, to grieve and make peace, is an immense undertaking that I don’t think anyone looks forward to, and no one can really prepare for.
Taking everything into consideration however, I realize how blessed I am to be surrounded with thoughtful loving people, that don’t always agree with one another, or say things the way they intended, but without a doubt always have our families best interest at heart.
