I've recently started participating in Funeral Honors Details as a Navy Reservist.

We fold the flag, present it to the next of kin, play taps, and provide an honorable exit for anybody who has served.

It's been the most meaningful part of my 14 years of military service - which included a combat deployment.

Simply walking through the cemetery before the service is profound. All that remains of a life time of stories is usually just a name and a date. It's humbling to reflect that within 100 years (at the very very most), I too will be there...and some random stranger may come across my grave.

Death makes life all the more meaningful for me. Engaging with mourning families at least monthly helps me cherish my moments doing the things I love all the more.