This is truly profound, Caitlin. I'm almost 70, and from this perspective, what you are describing sure rings true. When we lose someone who has been with us our whole life (parents, siblings, . . .) it sure alerts us to how much each loved one means to us and to our own sense of self. Even losing celebrities who were integrated into our culture (John Lennon), can stop our "rat race" perspective and help us clarify what is truly important to us and how fragile our existence is. Our best lives can be lived with this awareness as a constant. Thank you.