In
Zeno’s Conscience: My Father’s Death,
he mentions the loss of both parents but his father’s death is what destroyed
him mentally. I am unaware how it feels
to lose a parent, let alone both, but I can imagine Zeno’s loneliness. Zeno writes, “Until his death, I did not live
for my father. I made no effort to be close to him … We were never so close or
so long together as in my time of mourning.” (32). Like the familiar saying “you do not know
what you have until it is gone” is the realization Zeno experiences first
hand. Zeno, recognizing the end was near for his
father sought to enjoy what little time remained. Zeno’s experience in this chapter made me
aware of the importance of not taking for granted time spent with family and loved
ones.
Death
is the final stage of life and an inevitable reality. One day we will all experience it. I, on occasion, contemplate such finality,
and though it is inescapable, it is difficult to fully comprehend. Zeno
says he also wonders about the mystery of death and that is all it can ever be,
a mystery. “…Who can say what may happen
by tomorrow, or in half an hour’s time?” (51).
In other words, the future is unknown.
It is not worth our time to worry about what is to come but, rather, what
is happening at this very moment. Life
is precious and should be appreciated.
During my
childhood, at the age of six, my grandfather died suddenly of a heart
attack. I was too young at the time to fully
understand death and its finality. Being only six years old and having not
lived near my grandfather I had not established a close bond with him; however
it did not mean I did not love him. He was still an important person in my life
and it took a matter of time for me to realize what his passing meant and that
I would never see him again. Just as
Zeno commends his father’s life, I, too, do the same. I dedicate every swim race to him by pointing
my index fingers towards the sky before stepping onto the blocks, knowing that
he is watching.
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