Upon learning that her cancer had spread to her spine, Paula prepared her thirteen year - old son for her death by writing him a letter of farewell that moved me to tears. In her final paragraph she reminded him that the lungs in the human fetus do not breathe, nor do its eyes see. Thus, the embryo is being prepared for an existence it cannot yet imagine

Upon learning that her cancer had spread to her spine, Paula prepared her thirteen year - old son for her death by writing him a letter of farewell that moved me to tears. In her final paragraph she reminded him that the lungs in the human fetus do not breathe, nor do its eyes see. Thus, the embryo is being prepared for an existence it cannot yet imagine

📖 Irvin D. Yalom

🌍 American  |  👨‍💼 Psychologist

(0 Reviews)

This poignant quote encapsulates the profound moments of love, acceptance, and preparation for inevitable loss that often define the human experience in times of serious illness. Paula’s act of writing a farewell letter to her son demonstrates her deep compassion and her desire to impart meaning and hope beyond her mortal life. The reflection on the fetus's undeveloped lungs and eyes serves as a metaphor for human potential and the quiet resilience inherent in all of us. It reminds us that life begins in a state of nascent possibility — blind to the future, deaf to the world — yet inherently equipped for transformation and growth. This analogy underscores a comforting truth: even in its early, vulnerable stages, existence is inherently suited for eventual independence and fulfillment. The act of preparing her son for her death through words of farewell is an act of ultimate tenderness, suggesting that love extends beyond physical presence into the realm of memory and spirit. It also subtly raises questions about the nature of existence, the unseen forces that guide life, and the importance of understanding our origins to better appreciate our journeys. Such reflections challenge us to consider how we approach mortality, the ways we educate those we love about the transient nature of life, and how hope and acceptance are woven into the fabric of our final moments. Paula’s words serve as both a farewell and a philosophical reminder of life’s silent, persistent preparedness for what lies ahead.

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July 15, 2025

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