Doc ~
Although I cannot subscribe to Derek Miller's nihilistic outlook on death (I'm a Christian) his eerily dispassionate 'last post' on his blog is none the less moving. As you noted, a stark reminder of 'what could have been' for any of us. His somewhat detached regrets about not being able to see his family as they grow or what technology will evolve during the time that he would have been alive (had colon cancer not ended his life at age 41) is quite poignant. Mr. Miller's admonition that although we plan, much of those plans won't come to fruition was not only astute but familiar. He probably didn't realize it but he was, in effect, re-stating the old adage; 'man plans, God laughs'.
Prayers for this man's family and thanks to you for submitting this sobering reflection from a man who has died and wanted to leave something behind by sharing his final thoughts. I wish they were a bit more affirmative but at least they are genuine and in his situation, that he was able to write them at all is impressive. I won't soon forget Derek Miller and his 'last post'.
Jim