I stumbled upon this tribe by accident and saw very few postings in an area that I visit and revisit often. I have a somewhat different approach to honoring the dead than many people that I've talked with do. Right or wrong, I visit the concept, idea, reality, and exposure to death both regularly and voluntarily.

I seek out solace, understanding, and space in life to learn about people who are both alive and those who have died. I visit cemeteries and I read the obituaries on a fairly regular basis. Often times when I learn of a death of someone I did not know, I do research about what their life was like, as well as their death.

Along with honoring the people I knew before they died, I feel compelled to reach out to those that never crossed my path until their passing.

I want to know who died- how old were they? What were they like? Did they have family? Did they have friends? Did they believe in a cause? Did they suffer or go quickly? Did they die a peaceful death or one that was violent and horrifying? Were they funny? Were they alone? Did they go to school? Did they travel? Did they find their passion? What sacrifices did they make? And for what?

And why do I do this?

I've found that my relationship with Death and with Life are intertwined. As I seek answers to the questions about people and those that have passed- family, friends, & strangers- I am blessed by honoring their memory through prayer and by asking myself about my own purpose here, thinking about time changing from fluid to absolute, and thereby requalifying what I prioritize each day.

Each person that dies has been here long enough to leave memories- good and bad. But what does it all mean? And who cares? I search for the answers because the existence of those around me means something to me.