Today, Ted Kennedy lost his struggle against brain cancer. 39 years ago, Mary Jo Kopechne lost her battle against air supply.
I’ve never understood why people follow those words with Rest In Peace, or RIP. Where do people get the notion that when you die you rest somewhere and that you either rest in peace or otherwise rest in … what? War? Chaos? Unease? Disharmony?
Perhaps it’s the fastest way for people to express their condolences, but theologically speaking, it annoys me to no end. When I leave this earth, please don’t say “The Lady Patriot, whoever she is, Rest in Peace.” (Well, it won’t annoy me as I won’t be around to see it, but I’m telling you my preferences anyway.) Just know that I’m finally where I’ve always wanted to be, a place that I’ve longed to be ever since I learned of it.