The paths of glory lead but to the grave.
~Thomas Gray
At sad times such as these, after the tragic helicopter crash that killed nine people including basketball great Kobe Bryant and his young daughter, it becomes clear that one of our biggest challenges in life is to remember that we are mortal.Death is no respecter of age, fortune, fame, talent, education, health, achievement, or any other aspect of human existence. One day, each of us will die. There is no alternative. Yet so many interviews with grief-stricken friends, fans, and fellow athletes about Bryant's untimely death carry some variation on the disbelieving refrain, "It can't be."
Oh yes. It can be.
Therefore, send not to know
It tolls for thee.
