I just lost two close relatives who were also friends today. We grew up as kids and they were about a year or two older than me. I’ve always been aware of death and accept it but when stuff like this happens, it’s a really strong reminder of how we’re all moving along in the line towards the end.
I agree and it might be good advice for most people. But I’m a middle aged Indigenous Canadian that has lived a life of attending funerals from as far back as I can remember. My parents brought me to funerals of close relatives and friends from the time I was born. Up until I was about 20, I think I attended on average, two funerals a year (sometimes more). I’ve seen all kinds of funerals … elderly, adults, teenagers, children and babies … as well as single deaths or double or triple or quadruple deaths … I’ve seen open caskets and several closed caskets for mutilated bodies they couldn’t show … and deaths for all kinds of reasons - sudden, accidental, tragic, mysterious, murder and suicide
About a decade ago I couldn’t take it any more … I’ve seen enough and I don’t attend funerals any more. The only other funeral I plan on attending will be my own … and even then, I won’t be there any way.
I spend my time with the living when I can.