I’ve talked about my “Jewels of deNial” group in the past. This is an acting troupe which deals with the issues of aging. We’ve covered topics like technology, medical problems, memory issues, traveling in the golden years, physical maladies and dependance on others for help. One topic we’ve avoided is death. This is something most of us usually try to avoid. We may not write a will, because it adds a finality to life We may not prepare for our final days as we should. It’s not an easy subject to face into, but one that we all have encountered during our passage through time. I cringed a little as I thought about writing our next episode. Since our group is presenting the comedic side of aging, this seems a tough subject to approach from a humorous standpoint.

Death is a reality. Just like all the other truths of life. It may not be on the top of our funny bone list, but to get through it, there needs to be an easier way of coping than retreating. We encounter death through all generations. It isn’t reserved for us old fogies. Life can end at any age and it’s never an easy process. It seems much more difficult to lose a child, or a young adult who is just beginning their own adventure. It seems more logical to lose someone because of their long existence, yet the sting of death has no boundaries. The grieving process cannot be catalogued into a set pattern of behavior, because we are unique individuals who do so in our own way. What works for one person, may not be the solution for another.

Death is nothing to laugh at – or is it? Monty Python found humor in the Black Plague in his movie, “In Search of the Holy Grail.” We laughed when bodies were being gathered up by the cart full and one reluctant fellow said, “I’m not dead yet.” We chuckle as comedians approach this topic, but it’s an uncomfortable laughter to say the least. However, humor is how I look at life. Why not look at death in the same way? I don’t mean to poke fun at it or demean the necessity of the process of grief. I do think that we get through it with much help from friends and family and certainly through our faith in God.

I’m confident that once death comes, it is just a transition from a life of darkness into one of pure light and perfection. God wants everyone to be part of His family. He has prepared a place for anyone who chooses to become part of it. Even during the tears, sorrow, sadness and helplessness of death, we have the hope of a future. Laughter will be part of that perfection. I’m sure of that, because I also believe God has a sense of humor.

“You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; and clothed me with gladness, that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever!” Psalm 30:11-12