I hate funerals, and plan on skipping my own in about 40 years.

But today is the viewing and celebration of the life of my dear friend's wonderful spouse of more than 30 years. I must force myself out of this chair an into suitable attire for leaving home for a bittersweet afternoon and evening with people I love.

That final door waits for each of us to go through in our own time. Knowing that the journey must be taken doesn't make it any easier for the ones we leave behind.