When men die, they die in fear", he said. "They take everything they need from you, and as a doctor it is your job to give it, to comfort them, to hold their hand. But children die how they have been living - in hope. They don't know what's happening, so they expect nothing, they don't ask you to hold their hand - but you end up needing them to hold yours. With children, you're on your own. Do you understand?
Interpretation
The quote reflects on the contrasting experiences of adults and children in facing death.
Tea Obreht's quote highlights the stark difference between how men and children confront the reality of death. While adults face death burdened by fear and a sense of loss, children approach it with innocence and hope, often surprising caregivers with their resilience. The quote underlines the emotional toll on caregivers, who find themselves seeking comfort from the very children they are trying to support, emphasizing the profound and unexpected lessons that arise in moments of vulnerability.
In practice
This quote can be used in a eulogy to emphasize the innocence of children in the face of loss.
Suddenness," he says. " You do not prepare, you do not explain, you do not apologize. Suddenly, you go. And with you, you take all contemplation, all consideration of your own departure. All the suffering that would have come from knowing comes after you are gone, and you are not a part of it.
I smoked and looked down at the bottom of Pittsburgh for a little while, watching the kids playing tiny baseball, the distant figures of dogs snatching at a little passing car, a miniature housewife on her back porch shaking out a snippet of red rug, and I made a sudden, frightened vow never to become that small, and to devote myself to getting bigger and bigger and bigger.
No matter what, nobody can take away the dances you've already had.
Don't sit and wait. Get out there, feel life. Touch the sun, and immerse in the sea.
Sometimes...it's better for a man just to walk away. But if you can't walk away? I guess that's when it's tough.
I believe every human has a finite number of heartbeats. I don't intend to waste any of mine.
The best way to make room for both life and career is to make choices deliberately-to set limits and stick to them.
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