A consequence of growing older is knowing more people who are coming to the end of their lives. Still, it seemed I went to more than my fair share of funerals this year.

Funerals are interesting affairs. They are part reunion, part tribute. They can be sad, but sometimes other emotions well up. Old family battles can be revisited, old friendships rekindled, new friendships begin -- and new battles. You may find strength and competence in someone unexpected. Another you always relied on may fall apart. What you remember about the departed person may not be at all what you expected or even what anyone e1se remembers.