What follows is a letter sent to us by a man who has lost his wife of over 15 years to cancer. He wrote this a few days after her death, trying to deal with what he was feeling following her passing.
|
|
"I guess it's not such a big deal.
People die every day, every minute. I heard once that someone dies every 4 seconds. That sounds quite horrible. Think about it, every 4 seconds there is someone mourning someone else, every 4 seconds, someone is in terrible pain. On the other side of this coin, I hear that every second, someone is born, and although it is hard to comprehend the enormous numbers, it is a pretty comforting thought. Hold your breath for 10 seconds. In that time, 10 new people have been created, life has been breathed into them, and they will join us to walk this earth. So when considering all these statistics of beginnings and endings, what is one more death? Only a forgotten part of a forgotten number, one among millions upon billions. Meaningless.
Then why does it hurt so much?
Or, you can look at it like this: We live in a huge universe, filled with billions of galaxies so far away from each other that even in a million years we wouldn't be able to travel to the nearest one or completely explore our own. And each galaxy contains trillions of solar systems, and an almost infinite number of planets. And so these colossal things move through space for ages on end. Our lives, our whole history, are like a wink to them. Candles that are quickly snuffed out. What is one death? We are so small when compared to this vast, cold and uncaring universe.
Then why does it hurt so much?
We're all going to die eventually. I know it's not a comforting thought to most, but it's true. It need not be a bad thing, it may even be nice to consider we are all expecting the same end, regardless of money, status, or personal success. We don't know what lies beyond, but I know most of us hope and believe in an afterlife, where we can be reunited with the people we love and miss most of all. Death is a natural part of life, it defines life, and as such, it is a part of all our stories.
Then why does it hurt so much?
And here I am, my dear Anna, sitting here at a completely regular and unimpressive funeral, one of millions taking place all over the world, a small part of a huge statistic, in an enormous, cold and uncaring universe, saying goodbye to someone who may be waiting to see me again just a few years from now. This has all happened before, and will happen again. Then why does it hurt so much?" |
|
Images courtesy of: winnond, tungphoto, Idea go / freedigitalphotos.net
by: Shai K.
This Joke Starts With a Greedy Man...
A stingy lawyer simply isn't willing to let go of the money he has earned - even in death. That's why he hatches to plan to prove that you can take it with you.
Joke: Two Women Hit It Off In Arizona
A wise woman gets a lift from a younger woman while walking out in the Arizona desert. It isn't long before they get talking...
These 10 Qualities are What Great Spouses are Made of!
Every great spouse has these 10 qualities shining through.
Joke: It's Difficult to Fulfill a Dying Wish Sometimes
When a window visits an undertaker to see how preparations of her dead husband's body are going, she isn't happy with what she sees. A solution is proposed...
Joke: The Panty Rule
A newlywed couple are about to consummate their wedding night when the husband decides to lay down the law. He couldn't predict what would happen next...
Looking Back at the CRAZIEST World Records of 2022
2022’s Guinness World Records will make you wonder if they are for real.
Here Are 18 Facts That Are Bound to Blow Your Mind!
Here are 18 amazing facts that you won't be forgetting anytime soon!
The True Story of Oppenheimer and the Atomic Bomb
Before you head to the theaters to watch Christopher Nolan’s ‘Oppenheimer’, find out the real story of the “father of the atomic bomb”.
Yasuke: The Story of the African Samurai
The incredible historical story of an African man who went to Japan on a Portuguese ship and never came back, remaining as a powerful Samurai named Yasuke.
You'll Never Guess How These Optical Illusions Work
Here are three incredible optical illusion videos that have taken the internet by storm. Can you solve the mysteries that you're about to see?
From Across the Decades, These Photos are Fascinating!
Join us as we take you through the ages and see some really incredible sights!
Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" are Much More Than Just Music
In this TED-Ed video, Betsy Schwarm explains just why it is that you should listen to Vivaldi's "Four Seasons."
A Look into Ancient Greece Like You've Never Seen Before
What can interior design and fashion trends tell us about a culture? A lot more than you think.
Kyle the Goose Simply Refuses to Leave Her Savior's Side
Mike Jivanjee seems to have gotten more than he bargained for when he rescued Kyle, the Canadian goose, from drowning in Lake Oswego. Check out this cute video.
Experience the Dramatic Moments of WWII in Moving Color
This 13-episode television documentary series recounts the major events of World War II in HD color.
How 10 Ordinary English Idioms and Phrases Began...
Many English phrases and idioms have fascinating histories behind them, here is a selection of 10 astounding examples.
15 Amazing Facts That Knocked Me Over with a Feather
The world always fascinates me and everyday I learn something new. Here are 15 facts and stories to give your brain a real workout. Which of these tidbits blows your mind most?
These 14 Photos Are All Remarkable For Different Reasons
There are some photos we come across that just compel us to take a second look, and these 14 are no exception. Take a look!
25 Old Photos That Show How Different the World Used To Be
Check out this amazing collection of vintage pictures that show us how much the world around us has changed.
12 Rules for Basic Etiquette that Should Still be Practiced
It feels like people forgot the meaning of politeness, well these 12 rules of manners should be read, remembered and acted upon.
8 Creative Musical Instruments Made from Natural Materials
Here are some wonderful musical instruments that are made of natural materials.
The Many Calendars of the Modern World - Fascinating!
This video reviews some of the most common calendars in the modern world.
Watch This Couple Go Through 60 Years of Aging...
This young couple found out with some magical help from talented makeup artists. The results are remarkable, and the ending filled my eyes with tears.
Meet the Sweet Girl With a ‘Benjamin Button’ Condition
Meet Isla Kilpatrick-Screaton, the only girl in the world with 'Benjamin Button' disease.
These 24 Fascinating Photographs Will Surprise & Amaze You
Here are 24 of the most amazing and surprising photographs ever seen on the internet!
Bottoms Up! 12 Surprising Facts About Beer!
Twelve fascinating facts about the ancient alcoholic drink known simply as - beer.
This Ancient Cabinet is FULL of Surprises...
One of the finest achievements of European furniture making!
After Reading This, You'll Want to Move to Finland!
This article takes a look at how the Finnish government makes ordinary life extremely comfortable for its citizens.
20 Things Most People Think Are the Same, But Aren't!
These words are often mistaken for synonyms, but in reality they are nothing of the sort, because they refer to different things. Learn about 20 of them.,
7 Downsides to Being Highly Intelligent
Everyone thinks that being blessed with a very high IQ can only be positive, but there are also downsides. Here are 7 downsides to being highly intelligent.
20 Maps and Charts That Explain the World in Unique Ways
Time for some more fascinating and informative maps that show interesting aspects of our planet.
Beware of Ordering These (Potentially) Fake Foods
There are certain items on a restaurant's menu that should be considered with caution, and this is because they tend to be faked. Learn more here.
History Lesson: How Japan Met Europe for the First Time
This video delves into the fascinating story of how the Portuguese and Japanese of the 16th century met, two distinct worlds, exploring the initial contact.
When Deaf People Hear for the Very First Time...
In this wonderful video, we will see the miracle of hearing given to several people who have been deaf.
Life in Japan is so Interesting! Want to Know About It?
Japan has a number of cultural differences. Here are 15 intriguing facts about this countries.
Ever Wonder What People Were Like Thousands of Years Ago?
Some of these ancient faces frown and others smile, but together they tell the fascinating history of humanity.
This Man Will Teach You to Speak So You Are Always Heard
Julian Treasure is a sound expert who has been researching human speech and the psychology behind it and is now sharing his findings, teaching people how to speak so that others will listen.
12 Juicy Facts You Probably Don't Know About Grapes
Did you know grapes are actually berries? Find out more juicy facts about grapes in this article.
Let's Remember Matthew Perry by His Lovely Quotes
"Friends” star Matthew Perry has passed away. Here’s a look at some of his most memorable quotes.
10 of the Most Spectacular Royal Crowns in the World
Crowns have long been seen as a strong symbol of power and wealth. Here are some of the world's most recognized crowns and tiaras.
You Will Love This Collection of Rare Historical Photos
This amazing collection of vintage photographs will give you a unique glimpse of the past.
7 Mythical Characters Who Actually Existed
Did you know that there are some characters from mythology that might have existed in real life? Let's find out about some of them.
6 Depression-Era Criminals You Wouldn't Want to Cross!
During America's Great Depression, the rate of crimes increased drastically. Here are 6 of the most notorious Depression-Era bank robbers.
Watch: An Emotional Interview With a Dunkirk Veteran
At the premiere of the hit movie, Dunkirk, at Calgary’s Westhills Cinemas, theatergoers ended up having a surprise encounter with a 97-year-old veteran.
Learn All About Herodotus, the Father of History
Learn all about Herodotus, and how he came to be known as the 'Father of History' in this informative video.
What Does the Color of an Egg Yolk Mean? Find Out Here!
Ever wondered what the color of an egg yolk says about the quality of the egg? If so, then wonder no more...