Mercy

​Over the years I have sat with many kinds of death — grandparents, friends, and animals I cared for deeply.

The contrast between the two has stayed with me. Every living thing, whether animal or human, seems to want to see the sun rise one more time. That desire feels universal. And yet, when an animal is suffering, we consider it compassionate to help it pass peacefully. We often deny that same mercy to humans, even when they are in great pain.

There does have to be an end for all of us. This realization eventually led me to step away from the faith I was raised in.