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Death Quote by Mary Alice Monroe

“not so heartbreaking. So it was with me after Tom’s death. In retrospect, I look at myself and my friends and I think that some of us are offered early warnings. The death of a loved one, a serious illness, the struggle of a marriage, or the despair of loneliness—as tragic as these events are…” quote by Mary Alice Monroe
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““not so heartbreaking. So it was with me after Tom’s death. In retrospect, I look at myself and my friends and I think that some of us are offered early warnings. The death of a loved one, a serious illness, the struggle of a marriage, or the despair of loneliness—as tragic as these events are, they serve to box us in as clearly as any clever plot structure, forcing us to make a choice. I choose to live. Each day to the hilt. I want to hug my children close, kiss my lover passionately, attack my work, relish my books, and laugh heartily or blubber like a baby with my friends. Isn’t life grand?””

Mary Alice Monroe

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Long Way Home, 2010

After loss, the narrator decides to embrace life fully, seeking deep connections and joy despite pain.

In simple terms: Choose to live fully after tragedy.

Key Takeaway

Live fully each day.

Themes

resilience joy relationships

Mood

hopeful reflective

Type

inspirational philosophical

When to use this quote

  • grief
  • family
  • career
  • friendship

Key Concepts

Existentialism mindfulness

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you honor loss while embracing joy?
  • What daily practices foster wholehearted living?
A Different Perspective

Choosing joy may overlook lingering grief.

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