My sister’s very good, lovely, warm and funny friend died while we were watching Wednesday night’s The Middle. He just went into the good night. A simple equation of no more breath going into his lungs. This is the way I would like to go out, you go to bed and wake up dead.

Joni was with Charles just Tuesday morning, and they had a grand time together. He lived right up until the end. And spent his last days in a beautiful hospice. This is hopeful to me, since I have only been with people who’ve died, that were very sick and heavily medicated. But Charles and Joni got to say a meaningful and proper goodbye.

I like to read about what happens after you die. I’m curious like everybody else, just what occurs after the lights go out. It’s the field of the great unknown, and one of those things we information mavens have not been able to conquer yet. There’s not even any answers on Google! I’ve read some good books and have all sorts of thought about what might happen. I guess some of them are just what I hope happens. Like maybe you’re in your favorite kind of place (the beach), you’re with the people you know who’ve also died (my parents and relatives), you get to eat spectacular food without the calories, or bad health consequences (bread, bread, bread, pasta, pasta, pasta), you always get to shop designer at discount prices (HALLELUJAH).

Just an hour before Charles died, Joni and I sat by candlelight and meditated on him having a peaceful and beautiful journey. We’ll never know if he did. But I’m grateful that he lived until he died. It gives me hope that the end doesn’t have to be painful and bad. It can be ok, good even. I really like that. Thanks, Charles, say hi to the angels for me.