I think I first read it in a Terry Prachett book, that what we give voice to shapes reality. In that sense, I’ve always believed that telling one’s own Story is important. I can think of few people whose shape of reality I’d like to be a part of, but you are certainly one.

I love your a-theist view of death. I’ve often thought about what I would tell my nieces & nephews about death or birth, should they ask. I may be stealing liberally from your Story and making it my own.

When my daughter came face to face with death last year (a little girl her age drowned here at Lake Powell, and we were asked to help search for her), I wondered like you did about how to answer her questions. When it came time to discuss it, my TBM wife gave her the “she’s in heaven” spiel, and I hesitantly nodded and stayed silent.

In split-faith families like mine, the honesty and flair that you used to describe death to your kids is difficult. Thanks for the inspiration. I hope to be able to follow your example eventually.

I don’t think it ends of a down note at all. I think it ends on a real and honest note, and I think the honesty it touching rather than sad.