A Matter of Death and Life - It’s also a matter of how to love

A Matter of Death and Life is not an easy read which brought me to tears multiple times. It delves into the painful experience of losing your loved one and the persistent feelings of emptiness and loneliness that follow. It also addresses the physical and mental decline we inevitably face as we grow old.

Every aspect mentioned in this book feels unavoidable for everyone that as readers, we know that we will encounter the grief experienced by Irv. The relatability makes it even more heart-wrenching. What is truly terrifying is not death itself, but the void between losing your life partner (whether it be a spouse, friend, or family member) and your own eventual death.

Ultimately, I have come to the understanding that one stays alive not only for oneself, but also for others.

No matter how much I enjoy solitude and cherish my me-time at this stage of life, I am aware that I will undoubtedly suffer greatly when that time comes: when I lose my ability to take good care of myself, or when I lose someone I have relied on and mutually supported for many years.

Currently, I cannot find any effective ways to alleviate this inevitable suffering. However, perhaps what I can do is strive to be more loving without hesitation, and the answer might eventually reveal itself.