“Every instant of time is a pinprick of eternity. All things are insignificant, easily changed, vanishing away.”
Marcus Aurelius , 121-180, Roman emperor and philosopher
Life is so unpredictable. I must share with you a recent experience that holds on to my heart and won’t let go. I’m just so aware of how each minute see-saws into the next—high to low and then back again. Let me explain.
I had one of those extraordinary weekends surrounded by loved ones and a welcoming group of people who came to hear my talk about Otto Frank. The conversations afterwards with complete strangers soon morphed into heartfelt connections that seal us into warm embraces so quickly. I was rich—even heady—filled with the wealth of such acceptance.
And so the weekend unfolded as such. I was able to temporarily suspend my deep pain over the suffering of animals and people and wishing I could do more to right the wrong. For a tiny moment I was free. And then the unbelievable happened. Now at the airport, while Pete and I waited to embark on our plane there was an announcement. The voice said there would be a brief delay because of a ceremony that was about to take place on the tarmac below. We could all witness it from the windows. It was a Fallen Soldier being carried from his flag-draped casket off the plane to an awaiting military service of armed guards and naval officers lined up in a united salute.
I sat on the floor next to Pete surrounded by a large group of passengers. All so silent you could barely hear a sound. Until the tears began. As the casket was gently carried to the awaiting vehicle, a woman’s voice whispered, “God bless you. Thank you for your service.” We inhaled together and wiped our eyes. I knew that a young soldier, probably younger than my sons had been killed. In a blink. A moment. A shattered second that made the difference between laughter and tears. Hellos and goodbyes.
And then we returned to our seats and awaited the boarding to our various destinations. Life goes on. Tears were dried and now eyes refocused on ipads and cellphones and laptops and People magazines, etc. And a family somewhere nearby was waiting to take their beloved Fallen Soldier home.
Life. It’s so ephemeral. There to be savored in the brief increments see-sawing from highs to lows and then back again. We were about to board the same plane that carried this young soldier to his final resting place. From one moment to the next the unexpected awaits. The line is so fine. I guess I really don’t know life at all…
“I’ve looked at life from both sides now
From up and down and still somehow
It’s life’s illusions I recall
I really don’t know life at all”
– Joni Mitchell, “Both Sides”
