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I just found out that an ex-classmate's funeral is today. She leaves behind a very distraught father, husband and 4 young children.

Unreal.

She sat next me in class one year but I was never particularly close to her through primary school years. News of her demise shocked me nonetheless. I can only imagine the grief those left behind are facing now. My heart goes out to them.

As I potter through status messages on twitter, myspace and facebook, there's an odd mixture of those who are having the time of their lives like disaster never strikes, interlaced with those grieving the loss of a loved one or blogging their worst fears come alive. What an odd mosaic of love, joy, boredom, pain, fear, grief, loneliness, happiness, sadness, ignorant bliss and biting truth.

Surreal.

With this very sad reminder today, I tell myself that change and trials of every shape and duration are inevitable. That while status quo is a comfortable place to be, the human condition is bred for endurance and the search for lasting peace in changing times. What exactly are we doing with the time we have? What faith or future hope do you cling to when it's your time to confront life changing times? Life is short.

That's Real.

In rememberance of those gone too soon: Ai Choo, Bhenda, Bonnie, Camille and George.