Death is something of a mystery. To me, its presence is everywhere; we just choose to ignore it, wishing it would disappear. It comes to all of us in the same measure, and no one can tell when it will strike us down.

Why do some pass on peacefully while others meet a gruesome end? Why can't there be uniformity in the whole process? What I find fascinating is that so much has been written about the afterlife and the soul being eternal. How do we know whether any of that is true? I know the rebuttal to that would be to talk about Near Death Experiences, but what if that was a state induced by trauma, drugs and hallucinations?

Who knows where the fine line between reality and illusion lies and who is to state that what we call life is reality and the afterlife an illusion? What we can do is live life to the fullest and not wait for the perfect moment to arrive; it might be too late because that moment is now. Do you suppose we get 'extra credit' if we gain success? The washing cycle will continue, and the old will be washed and replaced by the new, so get ready to rinse, lather, wash, tumble and be hung out to dry!