Roger writes: During the funeral I wondered how I would feel if someone else were in the coffin in front of me, someone I cared a lot more about. Sorry, Mom and Dad, but you two were the first to “go in”. I know this is strange, but in that moment my overwhelming emotion was one of pride in you two as people. I can’t possibly imagine my life with you being any better than it was. I thank you and love you more than you’ll ever know. I looked around at all the people from my past who would be at your funerals, in body or in spirit, and I got the most incredibly warm feeling from that group of souls.
Of course, there is no guarantee that you guys are going to be the next in line. I put myself in the coffin. One of the reasons for this letter is for you all to know, without a shadow of a doubt, if I should precede any or all of you to the other side, that I truly believe my own life must have equaled or exceeded any on this planet in terms of quality.
No matter what happens in the future, no matter what I must endure, the beauty and magnificence of life on this earth in this country at this time with all the people, family and friends that I have shared the journey with so far . . . well, all I can say is “Thank you God for all our many blessings.”
I approach death with absolute peace and no regrets. Don’t ya’ll forget.
As I type these words, tears are running down my face and I have a very dry feeling in my throat. I don’t believe this emotion is sadness or pain, but some blessing beyond both. And I’m back to gratitude . . . to my parents, to God and to you all. It’s been great.
Love,
Roger