Yesterday, I had a wonderful day at the beach with my three female friends. We indulged in cheese, swam in the surprisingly warm water, and wore our new summer sandals. After a day of fun, we relaxed in beds with NINE PILLOWS EACH. In the evening, as we sipped on rosé, the topic of life and death came up.
One friend, Alison, shared a touching moment with her son about death. She reassured him that it is a natural part of life and that loved ones will be waiting on the other side. Her son went from being scared to actually feeling excited about death after their conversation. It was heartwarming to hear.
The conversation reminded me of a passage from Rob Delaney’s memoir about reuniting with his late son in the afterlife. It’s a beautiful sentiment about unity after death.
Recently, my sister and I saw Uncle Vanya, a Chekhov play that pondered the suffering of life and the acceptance of death. The final words of the play by Sonya were dark and somewhat unconvincing, highlighting the struggle between faith and uncertainty in the face of death.
At my grandmother’s funeral, the English vicar spoke of her joining my grandfather “in the church yard, or wherever they are within the great mystery.” It made me ponder the unknowns of what comes after death.
What are your thoughts on death and the afterlife? How does religion or culture shape your beliefs? I would love to hear your perspectives on this topic. Share your thoughts in the comments below.
P.S. Learn how to write a condolence note and find comfort in turning 40 and facing mortality.
