The Unbearable Sadness of Death as The End by AndLost

If you have ever considered that our time on this Earth is “all that there is” that once over we no longer exist on any plane (not even in darkness or a void) then you will have felt that over powering emptiness in the pit of your stomach and possibly the shear terror at the realization that each of us will “end.” Now consider that even if one believes this as fact, we nevertheless live our lives as if it is eternal – start new jobs, find love, have children, enjoy hobbies (and TV programs), all done naturally with all but the slightest thought given to the fact that there is an expiration date. But while we all acknowledge that our existence may be fleeting, during our lifetime we touch and have an effect on so many people that had we dwelled on our demise, we would likely never accomplish what we accomplish or have the effect on the lives of so many others.

In my view, Lost attempted to capture the essence of that dilemma – living our lives with the inevitable End a mere number of years in the future. The finale captured this brilliantly when Jack touches the coffin and remembers all the lives he touched and all the good he did. Also, he remembers that he actually cut short his very limited time on earth by stopping the spread of evil and possibly the destruction and death of so many. Let’s face it – as a man of science, Jack had no idea he would exist in an afterlife. Nevertheless he made the ultimate sacrifice because of who he was and for whom he loved. His reward, if you will, is eternal happiness with the very people he selflessly saved.

So one can argue that everything that happened before the last ten minutes is irrelevant to the conclusion, but I would disagree. Everything Jack did during is life had a meaning and purpose for him and for everyone he touched. Lost, is simply one view of the importance of our lives – even if you believe there is nothing after that brilliant life is over.

This is not goodbye.