While sufficiently late to tis gathering to question why bother responding... I do so as part of this community and to offer a warm hand on your shoulder, a warm hug and say I am sorry of for your loss, and how that will impact you, your children, and your community. 
In addition I wish to respond to your response laid out to jenx67. You mention your concern about putting off your readers both religious, and non-religious.
As a reader from the perspective of non-religious I wish to say you handle your topics with such care, even though I may not always understand your reflections I can accept them as part of being you. I know your ponderings make me ponder my thoughts, and we dont have to agree to 'think' :-) Our sameness is stronger than our differences.