I know what you're thinking: "How can someone fear dying yet not be afraid of death? It makes no sense!"

Well, to me it is simple.

Death is ambiguous. And, unless one is lucky enough to be brought back to life via medical assistance or the powers of Jesus, death is forever. In death, our souls exit our bodies and journey to a place where they will reside permanently. But what is this place like? Will there be iced coffee? We won't know until we get there. It's a surprise.

I like surprises.

However, the act of dying scares me to death (pun intended). Most nights, when my room is filled with the sound of my dog's snores, my mind likes to drift to a mysterious place of wonder.

When will I die? How will I die? Where will it happen? How old will I be?

I am not special. These are all common thoughts that many people think when they wonder about their own deaths. And while these are important questions to consider, there is one thought that bears more weight than others.

How much will it hurt?

Not me. The people I love.

I am not afraid to die. I know that there is a place far better than this earth where my family members and friends who have gone before me are awaiting my presence. When my time comes, whenever that may be, my soul will transition from this world of bitterness and warfare to a place of peace and tranquility where it will truly live forever.

That is something to look forward to.

What scares me, however, is the pain that will be inflicted upon those who love me as I depart. I am not worried about myself. I understand that I will see them again. I like to believe that one-hundred years on earth is only a few minutes in Heaven. Eternity has no clock.

Nonetheless, I am worried about the children that I may leave behind or never get to have, the parents that I may die before, and the spouse who I may not get to grow old with.

I will be okay. My soul will be intact. But will their hearts be?

These are the thoughts that keep me awake. The mind shows no mercy when it comes to uncertainty.

However, I am positive of one thing that is for certain.

Death is ambiguous, but love is not.

Love those you care about, for when you depart from this world, you will leave a mark on their minds, their hearts, and their lives.

Yes, they will feel pain when you die. There will be a you-shaped hole in their hearts until the day that they die. But that means that you loved them, and they loved you.

To quote Garth Stein's The Art of Racing in the Rain:

"We had a good run, and now it's over, what's wrong with that?"

Nothing. Nothing is wrong with that.

And when they do die, you will be together again.

This time, for eternity.