In its shadow, life suddenly takes on an intensity, resonance, and savor we may never have know before. Of course, when the time comes, we feel the despair of taking leave, much as we would in saying farewell to someone we loved, knowing we would never see them again. Most of us dread that sadness. But, in the end, wouldn't it be worse to leave without having tasted life's full flavour? Wouldn't it be far worse to have no reason to be sad at that moment of parting?