Certainly, the tragedy of JFK Jr.'s plane crash on the hazy night on July 16, 1999 consumed the world's attention. The shocking news resurrected memories of past heartbreaks... his father's assassination, the Challenger explosion, Princess Diana death, the terrorist attacks of 9-11.

In all cases, the feelings of loss and sadness become a universal experience as we try to cope with the impact of the event. Our collective heart radiates with compassion. Tragedy inspires unified human decency and integrity.

The spirit reflects. And there is clarity: Life is fragile, uncertain and death does come. Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "If life were predictable, it would cease to be life, and be without flavor."

Celebrate each precious day of life.