Which death is the most difficult to death with? On the list below, which person should be in “better shape” and has probably “moved on” in their life?
- Her child was stillborn. It’s a year since the death.
- His grandmother died from dementia. It’s a year since the death.
- Their teen was killed in a traffic accident. It’s a year since the death.
- Children gather to honor a father’s birthday. It’s a year since the death.
- She lays a Christmas wreath on her husband’s grave. It’s a year since the death.
How would you rank them? (Should you rank them?)
Unfortunately, I think many folks—including me—publicly or privately rank the severity of another’s person’s situation. We compare and contrast with other facets of life: careers, homes, our child’s achievements, cars, last year’s vacation, and so forth. Advertising relentlessly reinforces judgment, from the new solar panels on the neighbor’s roof to the newest smartphone in a classmate’s hand. The people beside you or across the street or in the pharmaceutical commercial are better off than you. (Or, whew, they are a smidgen worse than you!)
If we compare the things of life, why not compare the ways of death? Read More →






