The two portals of life; the maternity home and the mortuary are usually found within the hospital. As doctors, we witness the entry points (birth) and the (exit) points of men and women. These two points are shrouded in a lot of mystery and significance. At birth there are various celebrations depending on the culture, while death provokes mourning. Birth and death are continual events, they occur like in a cycle to ensure continuity of life on earth, the sustenance of mankind and beast. At birth and at death we are all equal. According to my lecturer in obstetrics and gynaecology, said “at birth all men are naked, flexed in adoration and worship to God”. At birth we take our first breath, wailing like banshees and depending on all around us.

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Death comes to all men, no matter the race, status, religion, bank account, etc. Death is as inevitable as the morning rays after a long night. It comes when and how it will and nobody can stop it. In the medical field we do our best to prolong life but we are not all-powerful. I’ve seen patients die, newborns, children, and youths, elderly. It really is a sad experience.

Birth and death should teach us that we are all equal since we are equal at the portals of life. We all came into this world with nothing, stark naked and so shall we all leave- with nothing. No man fell from the sky and none of us will just disappear, we are all mortals, let us live HUMILITY. Put away all airs, get off your high horse and prepare for death. What reason do we have to be proud? we cannot tell the circumstances of our birth, apart from what we were told. We did not choose the families we were born into. Whatever we have today, if God’s gift, even though we may have worked our way up the ladder of life, he gave us the ability to do so. Death is the great equaliser of mankind. Why should we look down on others when we do not know when or how we will die? Only people with suicidal intentions know when they will die, and they need counselling. We are not sure of seeing the next minute. Life really is a vapour, it has no duplicate.

Let us respect all men and give everyone his or her due. Let us make the best of this minute, of today, doing the best we can for God and for neighbour. Let us live in preparation for death, drawing closer to our maker for guidance. God help us learn and live humility.