I don’t believe in euphemisms for death.
“She passed away.” “He’s gone to a better place.”
Not for me.
I know they are intended to soften the blow, ease the pain of loss, take the edge off grief.
To me, they give false hope, like someone’s death is not the end.
As an atheist, I don’t believe in any form of afterlife. You die, you’re gone.
So I don’t believe in heaven, I don’t believe in a god or gods, I don’t believe in purgatory or Paradise.
You might ask, “what DO you believe in, Steve?”
I believe in the basic goodness of people.
I believe almost everyone would lend a hand if you asked for it.
I believe that we can make things better.
I believe we are imperfect.
I believe we are in charge of our own happiness.
I believe life is worth living.
I believe in love.