Death before or after?

I have never been afraid of death mainly because i know its always draped over my shoulder and no day is guaranteed for us to wake up to. My only fear has been to be forgotten after death, death for the dead. I was walking through the cemetery today and noticed that when we do pass on all we are remembered by is a rock with some words on it. That expensive rock is not going to say what your passion was, what your dreams or ambitions were. Inevitably, we all will be forgotten in some form. Everyone has a story or legacy, its just the upkeep that is our fall from grace. Which brings me back to a conversation i had a while back with a friend:

 we got on to the subject of breathing and our fears. I love the feeling you get when your alone and its peaceful its just you mirroring you and the sensation you get when you notice your breathing, just to take it in and just breathe.

Witch lead to the subject of death.

the person i was speaking with was excited for death but not the idea of it, just to see what happens next, and i said” im not afraid of death, i just don’t want people to forget that i existed”. This was my worst fear, to be forgotten. Then what was said brung slight tears to my eyes when this person told me “why care? since birth you are on your own, and your going to die alone just like you where born, why bother to be remembered?” My response was quick to say” because, i as a person have a legacy and if my legacy dies i die completely and if it goes on my story wont end.” Then the question was asked” whats yours?” again my response was quick i said” my life, my past, the memories Ive shared with people, the relationships Ive had with them, knowing i helped maybe brighten someones day. That alone would give me the satisfaction of knowing that ill be remembered in some way or another.” the view was changed and the person said “. i think someone will remember you”.