Return to earth

I was at a relative's funeral today.
This is the third in a short span of time.

It has shaken me somewhat.
It makes me ponder and assess my own standing.
Am I ready for death?

What has this has to do with fountain pen collecting?
Plenty.

Human nature is all about collecting.
It may be a hobby, a need or a want of an item.
We look for it. We find it. We collect it.

What happens when death calls?
We answer, and all that we collect is no longer of value to us.
Because when we return to earth, we return alone...