One of the terrible things about having a close friend or relative die is that it is a subtle reminder that you've moved up in the line towards the end.

I just lost two close relatives who were also friends today. We grew up as kids and they were about a year or two older than me. I've always been aware of death and accept it but when stuff like this happens, it's a really strong reminder of how we're all moving along in the line towards the end.