We Do Act Surprised, Don't We?

Claire and I sang our song in the car this morning.


If you want to sing out, sing out
And if you want to be free, be free
'Cause there's a million things to be
You know that there are


And then the bus came.


Later, after the day was over, we sat on the sofa and talked about Andy, our friend who died suddenly last Saturday.


That's 2 friends in a month.


"People seem so shocked when someone dies, unless they're really old. Even then there's a surprise to it."
"It happens to everybody," Claire said, "it's been happening for hundreds of years. Thousands."


We do act surprised, don't we?
But we come in when we come in, 
and leave when we leave.
Even if we don't understand it.


the mystery is the mystery.


I want to write a note to my family...


If I should suddenly 
drop dead, 
just know 
you're really 
funny 
loving 
smart 
creative
kind
occasionally naked
people. 
I've been so lucky to know you.
I love you.
Have fun. 
Try not to worry.
Do what you love as much as possible.
Don't ever let the bastards get you down. 
Hint: the cage is not locked.


This is good advice for the living.
No need to walk around like a trapped animal.
Start small and go from there.
Walk.
Sing at bus stops.
Laugh.
Lie down when needed.
Go ahead, eat the ice cream!
Send out the writing.
Be brave.
Give thanks.


Keep an eye on us, Andy.