The young barista working 15 feet from where I’m sitting is just back from Spokane where he attended his grandmother’s funeral.

It was only a few weeks ago that my friends now living near Philadelphia got the exciting news that their first baby was on his/her way. A miscarriage last weekend opened up an empty spot in their hearts, minds, and plans.

Another friend has known for a couple of days that the matriarch of his family will go to her heavenly at any time now.

Death is never very far away.