I'm under a strong impression everyone thinks of their death. They think of the death of others. We plan for death if we think ahead.
We can not plan our after life.
It's not an odd subject matter, its normal, and people so often turn their nose from it.
"Perception is reality"
Princess School, Hurlburt Field, 2006(?) A laymen doesn't often think of the machine that handles death from doorstep to doorstep.
Command School, Hurlburt Field, 2006(?) This was the place we learned to manage death for the machine, hopefully with grace. Chas's bride and I sat through two days of what seemed like years traversing the deep dark tunnels of all the under worlds, greatful for those moments when/if it was to happen we would not be alone, a glance and a smile was like breathing fresh air. The it* would be helicopters going down and whole crews gone to the other side; now what do you do with the families, the spouses and the children...all at once...not to mention these are your own friends that are often like family...manage that...your spouse is gone and your children pull at your seams. Without breaking down...where you become stronger and gather around you those that need the strength...and you guide them, clear head with tears still in your eyes and show them it will never be the same but it will be ok.
It makes it easier if you believe. This is the warrior way, it's magical.
Having access to historical knowledge helps warriors know their path is just if guided within boundaries; Gods boundaries.
Be still and listen
One day I will tell you a story
On Yom Kippur the streets are empty
The sound of retreat at 5
The fall of the equinox
Feast for the Angels
None of this means anything unless...