Sometime
ago I came across these words of a clinical psychologist whose name unfortunately
I have forgotten—but not his advise. "To reaffirm your life, at least once
a year hold an infant in your arms and attend a funeral."
Birth
and death are the bookends of life. The first offers promise of the future, the
last a reminder that human life is not a forever thing. Vicariously
experiencing both birth and death should give one pause to contemplate the
meaning of human existence and his or her place within this gift of providence.
Do
we owe that infant the best possible start in life, our contribution directly
or indirectly to the child's having adequate food, clothing, shelter, safety
and equal opportunity to maximize his or her potential? Did we contribute to
improving the society in which the deceased lived? Are these acts even our
responsibility?
Do
we pollute or recycle? Do we remain mute or speak out against injustice
regardless of the nationality, race or status of the victim and in spite of
possible retribution? Do we vote as blind recipients of propaganda, or before
we vote do we study the issues and question the candidates seeking to represent
us? Do we contribute to the wellbeing of us or seek only the best for me? The
infant should prompt the question, "Do we?” The decedent, "Did
we?"
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