In Mitch Albom's "The Five People You Meet in Heaven," the concept of time after death is explored through the reflection of the protagonist, who questions the duration of their existence since passing away. This poignant inquiry emphasizes the fluidity of time in the afterlife, as one considers how it might stretch into moments of introspection or seemingly eternal waiting. The protagonist grapples with the transformative nature of their journey and the significance of their experiences in life.

The quote "How long have I been dead? A minute. An hour. A thousand years" encapsulates the idea that the passage of time is irrelevant in the context of heaven. It suggests that what truly matters is not the measure of time but the lessons learned and the connections made throughout one's life. As the protagonist meets five significant figures in heaven, each encounter reveals deeper truths about life, love, and redemption, making the exploration of time a critical element of the narrative.