I got word of two deaths this week.
The first was of a one-time neighbor who was killed by a speeding car. He was 29.
The other is of a schoolmate who helped me a lot as I was graduating high school and hoping to go to university in Singapore. He was one year ahead and was in school where I wanted to go. Sadly, he was diagnosed with a challenging mental illness and withdrew from society over the years.
We didn’t have the closest relationship at the time – but, it was warm and cordial. I remain grateful to him for all his help. It made a meaningful difference in my life. I hope he’s found peace.
I think of these events as a gift of perspective from the universe.
There’s nothing quite like a reminder of our mortality to shift our perspective.
