I’ll ‘pass’ on using

‘Passed what, for heaven’s sake?’ I want to bellow.

Did they sit for some sort of final Life Skills Examination and now they have ‘passed’ it is OK for them to go?

Is this all I have to look forward to when it is my turn to ‘pass’?

Maybe they have passed wind, heaven forbid! Are they now a major contributor to the greenhouse gas problem and should we take scientific measures to prevent them from ‘passing’ and fouling up the atmosphere?

Unfortunately, I think the reality is much sadder than that.

To me, the word ‘passed’ is used to deny the truth of what has really happened to these poor souls.

I suspect we are feeling guilty because we are so relieved that it is them and not us who have ‘passed’, whatever that may look like.

And I also believe that it is a form of denial and reluctance to face the bigger question.

What does death really look like? Is there really life after death and what form does that take?

No matter how desperately we try to ignore and cover up the question, it is something we must all face and come to terms with one day, and some of us sooner than later.