We suddenly realize how insignificant our personal troubles are when faced with the emptiness of a life taken from our world. We subsequently can learn to acknowledge that life may not simply disappear once the body lays to rest. We can make it everlasting in our memories as we are reminded of all the positivity brought to us by this life’s contribution to our existence.

It seems cruel that the world keeps spinning in accordance with the passage of time, even after it halts our own perception with grief, loss, and confusion over the death of one we cherish. Such is the sad nature of our reality. There can only be so much consolation to numb the anguish before it grows into stagnant, hopeless melancholy.

Why must it always be unfair? If only we could have given the life that was taken a few more of our words. If only we could tell this life how honored we feel to have received so much of their kindness and happiness, and how blessed we are to have held their friendship. If only we could thank them for the impact they made by simply being alive.

Although grief repeatedly overcomes reason, sadness cannot ultimately take away the happiness and beauty we received from the wonderful person we knew. It is ceasing to exist in the present and future, but the moments in time that it occupies in our past can never be any less real. As such, its impact should not be overshadowed by the loss of the present and future for which we mourn. All that is and will be eventually becomes the past, just as all that is past was once the future.

“How long is forever? Sometimes, just one second.” -Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland

Let us keep alive the forever that just passed.