I follow someone on Twitter (now X), who had been chronicling, or sharing his journey with ALS. He recently passed away. He was late stage. It must of been devastating since he was a young man, with a supportive family and many friends and a boyfriend. It appears he lived a fun, social, fulfilling life... but that's based on social media.

I have never met this person. I have corresponded a few times via email. When I saw the news it broke my heart. Although he was late stage, the death was sudden (at least to those who depend in updates via twitter).

I work in health care. I have cared for people who are palliative. I had a person die in front of me. However, they were all much, much older. Why does this death bother me so? I did not know this person, in person.

I guess my question is that, although we grieve and move on (in some way), does death inspire us to live more fulfilling lives?

A life cut short. Things taken away. When we see that happen to others, does it inspire us? When a fulfilling, pleasurable, happy life is ripped away by death, does it make you want to indulge even more in your own? Or do we just process the emotions and continue on with our lives?