Reflections on Loss and Moving Forward: A Letter to a Departed Friend

Core Concepts

The permanence of death is acknowledged, yet the memories and lessons from lost loved ones endure.

Abstract

The content delves into the author's emotional journey after losing a close friend, Favour, in March 2020. It reflects on the impact of Favour's passing, reminiscing about shared moments and missed opportunities. The narrative also touches on personal growth, academic achievements, societal events like the End SARS protest, and ongoing struggles at OAU. The letter expresses deep longing for the departed friend while acknowledging the inevitability of grief.
Structure:

Introduction: Reflecting on Favour's Last Day (March 23rd, 2020)
Coping with Loss: Denial and Grief Stages
Academic Achievements Post-Favour's Passing
Societal Events: End SARS Protest and Palliative Lootings
Challenges at OAU: Slow Calendar and Internal Strike in 2021
Personal Growth: Transition to Tech Field and Culinary Memories of Favour
Dreams of Favour and Remembrance Among Friends
Final Farewell Message to Favour
Key Highlights:

Emotional recounting of last interactions with Favour before his untimely death.
Struggles with denial and grief stages following the loss.
Academic accomplishments achieved post-Favour's passing.
Reflections on societal events like the End SARS protest and palliative lootings.
Challenges faced at OAU due to slow academic calendar and internal strikes.
Transition into the tech field as a means of personal growth.
Culinary memories tied to Favour through fish stew preparation.
Dreams featuring a happy version of Favour posthumously.
Expressions of missing Favour but gratitude for their friendship.

Stats

You walked me to the school gate on March 23, 2020 - "We were all asked to leave school on March 23, 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic."
I passed my ATS 1 stage after your death - "Yeah, I passed the ATS 1 stage; the results were released a week after your death."
OAU had an internal strike in 2021 - "We had an internal strike in OAU in 2021."

Quotes

"I really wish I could turn back time; you didn’t deserve to die."
"Your death taught me that grief does not become any smaller; we only learn to grow around it."
"Till we meet again... Till we meet to part no more, fare thee well."

Key Insights Distilled From

Hello Friend, How’s life on the other side?

by Esther Oluwa... at estheroluwaseyi.medium.c... 03-23-2024

https://estheroluwaseyi.medium.com/hello-friend-hows-life-on-the-other-side-aa3b8e28873e

Deeper Inquiries

How has coping with loss shaped your perspective on life beyond what is mentioned in this letter?

Coping with loss can profoundly shape one's perspective on life by highlighting the fragility and impermanence of existence. It often leads individuals to reevaluate their priorities, relationships, and goals. Beyond what is mentioned in the letter, experiencing loss can instill a sense of gratitude for the present moment and a deeper appreciation for the people around us. It can also foster resilience, empathy, and a greater understanding of human emotions. Moreover, coping with loss may prompt introspection about one's own mortality and the legacy they wish to leave behind.

What counterarguments exist against viewing grief as a catalyst for personal growth?

While grief can indeed lead to personal growth in many cases, some counterarguments suggest that not everyone responds to loss in the same way. Some individuals may struggle to find meaning or purpose in their grief experience, leading to prolonged suffering rather than growth. Additionally, there is a risk of romanticizing grief as solely beneficial without acknowledging its potential negative impacts on mental health. Some critics argue that excessive focus on finding growth through grief may invalidate or oversimplify the complex emotional processes involved in mourning.

How do culinary memories tie into our emotional connections with departed loved ones?

Culinary memories play a significant role in our emotional connections with departed loved ones by invoking nostalgia and sensory experiences associated with shared meals or favorite dishes. Food has a unique ability to evoke memories and emotions due to its strong ties to cultural traditions, family gatherings, and intimate moments spent together. Cooking or eating foods that were once enjoyed with departed loved ones can serve as a form of remembrance and tribute to their presence in our lives. These culinary rituals help keep cherished memories alive while providing comfort during times of grief and longing for those who have passed away.