DEATH 

IS PART OF LIFE 1

Death Is Part Of Life

Stefany M. Meza

Universidad del Atlántico

Essay And Critics

José L. Barros

September 7th, 2020

 DEATH IS PART OF LIFE 2

And while she was in that hostile and cold hospital room, she was wondering when she

would be back in her sweet home. I did not have an answer to her question, but I told her that

soon because it is characteristic of the human being to refuse death. Her voice still resounds in

my mind as if time had not passed, and I still remember when in that hospital room, she would

give me her food and I would try not to make her feel bored in those four walls. From that

moment on, I tried to convince myself that death is part of life, and although many of us are

afraid to face it, we know that sooner or later the moment will come.

The sadness and pain that you can feel when you lose a loved one are indescribable.

Suffering for his departure is inevitable, and learning to live with his absence is even worse. I

would dare to say that the remaining emptiness is never filled. Like every human being, I know

that death is part of the natural cycle of life and throughout life, I have experienced the death of

people who are important to me, but without a doubt, I dare say that the absence that has marked

me the most is that of my maternal grandmother. That admirable woman, who at the age of 80

looked healthy, happy, strong, imposing, and charismatic, is still in my mind and every day that

passes, I miss her even more. Today in my heart there is still that emptiness of not having her by

my side, I feel the absence of her laughter and I even lack her words of motivation to go on.

Among so many anecdotes, I remember when she was upset with me because I didn't

make the rosary with her because of my religious beliefs. However, amidst anger and joy, that

woman could not find the space or words to declare her constant admiration for my

achievements and way of being. Even though she had many grandchildren, great-grandchildren,

nephews, and others, I was a special granddaughter for her and the companion she would live
 DEATH IS PART OF LIFE 3

with once she moved into the apartment, which she had built on the second floor of my house, to

enjoy her last years of life by my side. Unfortunately, her unexpected departure came before that

dream could be realized.

Faced with her departure, I was overcome with emotions of denial, sadness, shock, anger,

and guilt, I could not conceive that she had left my life. Again and again, I ask myself if instead

of being her, I was the one who had left, but I still have no answers and with the memory of her

kisses, her hugs, her words, her laughter, and the little things we used to have when I escaped

from my work and commitments. That guilt feeds my soul, if only I had given more importance

to our love, I would have taken care of it with fervor.

That is why I realize how ephemeral life is and how little value we give to those who

truly deserve it. The emotional shock of her departure generated overwhelming feelings. I felt

that a vital part of my identity was lost, because she gave me the courage that, as a woman

warrior, I have been in the midst of the trials and difficulties of life.

Finally, I can say that mourning in front of a loved one will be inevitable and that with

time the wounds will heal, but there are other circumstances of life, where people who mark your

path, leave this life forever and the emptiness they leave will be insurmountable so it is up to you

to learn to live with the pain and face the death of a loved one but above all of those who will

live in our memory forever and who made many moments, the most special and happy.