Michael Gorey

I read in the Herald Sun this morning about a New Zealand family who had a small meteorite crash through their roof into their lounge room.

It weighed more than a kilogram and was estimated to be travelling at 19km/second when it entered the earth’s atmosphere.

It made me contemplate how vulnerable we are to powerful natural forces outside our control. Anyone could at any instant have a stone from space — a missile from heaven — hit them on the head.

I don’t know what lessons can be gained from this. I suppose it’s worthwhile reflecting that we are indeed mortal and shouldn’t necessarily expect to reach the average life expectancy.

Understanding our mortality may influence how we spend the days, weeks, months and years that we survive on this planet.

I’ve had the view for a while now that I’m not likely to leave a memorable mark. I’m unlikely to be Prime Minister or captain of the Australian cricket team.

The best legacy I will leave is through my children.

Back to the unfortunate people in Auckland: Apparently they’re now confronting some uncomfortable insurance issues. I wonder how many of us are now checking our policies?

These articles might be of interest:

• Making up time
• First good look at a chopper
• Children