In the circle of life, death is a dynamic perspective. As we end this year of 2016 it seems that we again as bystanders of life have and are experiencing what we define as tragic endings. Of those who are within our fondest remembering and our tomorrow. As a society that relishes the view of something greener and life of a grander scale, when we watch the lives of larger than icons often leaves us a bit lost and sad. I remember the broken heartedness when Robin Williams died. His death was one that brought me to tears. I remember the loss of others and yet I have forgotten. I know of many who have gone before and am saddened by the loss. As we again hear of yet another to whom many of us lived a life through the eyes of those who lived a life that is larger than one we could ever imagine. Yet, as the lives of those who are connected to our days and life pass, we are often momentarily struck with the same sadness yet also on a level which rocks us to the same gut wrenching agony. Yet relationship with family, while it touches us dramatically, can leave us picking and choosing the best of the moment of remembering that we choose. Family... i remember the moment the phone rang. the voice one the other end. Where I was standing. The vision within the room. The words uttered. The moment. The walk through to house to find my strength. The look. The reaction. The series of events that played through my mind. The plans. the sadness. My hero was gone. I remember another call with a equal amount of clarity. The drive to make sure the order of death was necessarily plan. The arrival. The walk up the stairs. The sounds. The sensory affect. The hands that assisted. The gathering of others. The prayer of release as permission was given to breathe that last breath. My best friend was gone. I remember being taught that death was not to be feared at an early as. I remember asking questions and having them answered by those who loved me and wanted me to understand that what is considered an end is also a beginning. Those lessons were taught to me by others who now have gone and their lives too were treasured gifts of family. Of grandparents. Of uncles and aunts who were at different seasons in time those that were heartfelt loss. We marvel at the loss of those who we have never met yet impact our live immeasurably... pray those closest to home will be larger than life and our hearts and tears will flow because we remember... because we have known firsthand the true heros that walked beside us... not just above us or within our dreams...