My last night on earth started out as any other. I woke up, ate and showered. I drove to work and did my thing. Faces and names wandered through my head.

Last chances.

Who would be affected?

My son, lost without his dad. Heart broken and lonely. He would still move on, create a good life. I have prepared him, hell do well.

My mother, crushed. Would she have the strength for this? I dont know.

My wife, the payout would be tremendous. Shell be just fine, no worries. Will she really even care? I think not.

Then there is Doug. My brother, my best pal. Weve been through a lot in the past thirty years, marriage, kids, music, drugs. Hell be the comfort for everyone involved. Hes a strong man. My final rest is in his hands.

Finally, there is The One. She who walks in my dreams. My invisible love, my eternal friend. My soul, my heart. Will she cease to exist when my mind departs? Or will she come with me?

By the machines, I fall down. Cold, hard concrete. I smile one last time. My eyes close.

Voices, faces, memoriesI see everything. There is sadness but comfort. There are smiles, remembering. There is food, music and spirits, singing and dancing. A wonderful send off. I am gone.

A forest, on the beach. Its warm. The smell of fruit and salt in the air. The waves and the sounds of birds. I walk a while on the soft sand. Someone calls my name. I stop, listen. A hand on my shoulder. I turn around and there she is. The holder of my heart, my love, my goddess. Her eyes sparkle; she smiles and says, Ive been waiting for you.