Tombstone

I saw her name on the tombstone today.
A story it told of her life's struggles.
A son she begot but died before her,
World of sorrows she must have felt.
Witnessed the two great wars, she saw the world change.
Was she happier than we are today?
A life of purpose it must have been,
Of surviving against all odds.
Long life lived she, faith must have caught on.
A century of changes, an ocean of experiences, how much does one see in this lifetime?
Another tombstone caught my eye,
A soldier was laid to rest.
Proud even in his death,
'killed in action' was he.
Is this what you call,
Living a meaningful life?