Someone has astutely observed that our culture does not handle "endings" very well. "Beginnings," on the other hand, seem to come off quite nicely. Weddings, beautiful and memorable in themselves, are also occasions for parties, bridal showers, gift bearing, and other happy kinds of experiences which we usually associate with the celebration of two persons in love beginning a new home. When a home is blessed with a newborn, balloons, flowers, photographs, gifts, a host of well-wishes, and perhaps even a sign in the yard, are common place. When a new business is opened, there is a house warming. When a new ship is christened, a bottle of champagne is smashed against it. When a new product is made available, consumers are pumped up about it long before it even hits the shelf and, ordinarily,…