I know you. Not personally, but in passing. A mutual "friend" introduced us, and ever since then it seems you have been following me. For years I was afraid of you. Now I'm just afraid of what you could mean.

You see, you are very good at your job, and by very good I mean you seem to get the job done. Although, I feel the need to mention the couple times you didn't accomplish your job. Oh, you remember them, after all, you are very proud and these little "mistakes" wound your ego.

Do you remember those you took from me? Do you write their names in a book to keep track, or, do you try to forget? Do you think us weak? Or strong? Are we easy prey, or do you have to fight to get us?

Is it really you people fear, or the fact that their absence may go unnoticed? I know that ultimately my Creator, my Father, is in control, but the fact that those I love dearly could meet you at any moment frightens me. I don't want them to meet you. I would gladly trade places with them.

I know that most of them will only meet you briefly and then be with the One who loves their soul, but I know those who will not. They will meet you, and you will take them, and you will keep them separated from the One who made and loves them. It is that separation that causes the aches and pains in my heart, the ones that reach every fiber of my being.

I have many questions for you, but that isn't the point. The point is that you are a lie. For years people have said that you were natural. That you were the most human thing about life because everyone would eventually meet you. But that's not true, is it? You were never meant to be. You were not a part of the design. But yet, in a single moment your friend came and numbered our days, and you collected.

You are also a lie because my Creator has created in humankind an eternity. He has given my kind an eternal piece that allows us to be taken by you, but not always kept. I am, of course, speaking of our eternal destinations. I don't fear this because I am certain and sure in the One who defeated you.

Yes, you don't like to admit that one event. There were a couple others who evaded you, if I recall correctly, but only one who conquered the battle over you. I should know because He is mine and I am His. I've accepted that one day I will meet you, but on that day I will not be afraid because I know who and where you are taking me to. You do not have an eternal hold on me.

I do not trust you, death. You have taken too many, and too soon. I am not a good judge of fairness, for I was bought by grace and sacrifice that was not my own, but I pray earnestly that I can spread light to those around me and that they find that their eternity rests in His hands, and not yours.

I am looking forward to the day when you are no more.

Sincerely,

K.F.