According to the stages of life, there are intervals of being at this stage of life and then traveling to the next stage. It is symbolic, but does encourage people to think of sections or ages of a lifetime. In reality, there is no interval and there is no time and there is no interruption. It would seem so as one passes through and into the spirit life and leaves the physical body. Yet, there is a continuation, an ending, beginning that has no pause, yet appears to come to a stop. Leaving circumstances behind is a difficult concept and there is adjustment needed, but the continuation of life never ends. As catastrophes and wars and natural disasters take many lives, it is important not to think of those who have given up the physical life as 'ending'. Their being continues in a different state and their lives are honored though the change is a loss for those who have to say goodbye. Life is a continuum.