Can't get to the new without news of old passings

Of all the traditions observed at the end of the year, the one I'm finding most annoying this year is the listing of those who "left us" - as if a decision was made to deliberately travel solo to a distant destination - or whom "we lost" - as if the lives of the famous and accomplished are possessions. The recounting of "passings" and in memoriams did not seem any longer than other years or any more celebrated in its lives noted. Some people died "before their time" as if it's possible to die after our time much less to reach the point of perfection to die exactly at the right time. 

As I've watched and listened and read these necrology reports, this year my response has been lingering  sadness. Maybe because the times are sad, when we're grieving so many losses in the economy, the society, the community. Maybe because I'm reminded of my own mortality, of the decreasing amount of time left to fulfill dreams or notch accomplishments. 

I've always enjoyed reading biographies. As a child, I was enthralled with a series of books about inventors: Thomas Edison, George Washington Carver, Marie Curie. As a teen, I was fascinated with the lives of Presidents: Lincoln, Jackson, Jefferson. So few receive recognition or fame during their lifetimes - how sad that so many stories aren't told until after death. Of course, this is the whole premise of "It's a Wonderful Life" - to have the opportunity to review our life as others see it. And just when the reality of mortality is inescapable in year-end lists of the dead, the first day of a new year dawns on the scene with the gift of a clean slate, another opportunity to make a fresh start, to make changes, to finally get around to those good intentions and long list of resolutions. 

Happy New Year!