I felt every word of this essay, and I haven't lost anyone to death or disease. That's partly because of the truth and power of your words, Elle, and partly because loss takes all kinds of forms. In my case, it's a loss of a relationship and the imminent loss of a job that I've loved for a long time. You've articulated a lot of what I feel even though our experiences are very different, and yours, I would say, are much more difficult.

I'm soon to be 60, and I'm not inclined to assume, blithely, that everything will work out for the best, or that the next adventure will be more meaningful, or that when a door is closed, a window will be opened, etc. Mostly I want to do what you are doing: weave a safety net to catch me if I fall.

All best to you, and thank you for sharing such a moving, personal, and honest essay.