“In this world,” wrote Benjamin Franklin in a letter to Jean-Baptiste Leroy, “nothing is certain but death and taxes”. That was in 1789 and there have been a lot of deaths and tax returns since then.

Every minute on earth, 108 people die. Ultimately, everyone dies. It is not a matter of if, but when. Sadly, and due to a wide variety of reasons and circumstances, some seek death, considering it the only solution. Others try to delay the inevitable through good health. Still others tragically lose their lives through time and chance. Sometimes disease or other illnesses bring a death sentence, leaving the person with nothing to do but wait for the end.

Death remains a mystery to me, and as I age I see it happening in more ways... to the very young, to folks who have so much life ahead. I don't understand it, I hate it, I resist it - I've become a trifle bitter about the whole business. I've even begun to contemplate my own end - but not in any great depth. Today, as I underwent a minor medical procedure where they put me out, I was a bit nervous - wondering if I might have a rare mishap and bite the dust. Hospitals make mistakes. My husband died on tax day, 4 years ago. At least he had a sense of humor...