Reflections on Loss
The recent deaths of friends have left me with a deep sense of loss. In particular, the heartbreaking news I received while in Istanbul, followed by the passing of my classmate from METU Sociology, Mesut Deren, shook me profoundly. As I question life and death after such losses, my eyes wander over the trees, flowers, and butterflies in the garden. My friend’s death is just one example among the losses I’ve faced recently. Other losses echo in my memories. As a friend once said, grief and joy can coexist, but after losing a loved one, every moment of joy brings a feeling of guilt.
Death has always been a central issue for humanity. However, the reality that significant resources are allocated not only to investments aimed at prolonging life but also to developing warfare technologies that end lives sickens me. When I share some of my older posts on social media, the views advocating for peace and opposing war technologies often attract little interest.
Insensitivity and Death
Countries believe their armies serve defense purposes. Yet, one must question the roots of hostility and aggression here. In many cultures, the deaths of those from the same ethnic group are met with more respect and mourning, while losses from other groups are often overlooked. This issue becomes even more pronounced in Turkey with the Kurdish question. Indifference towards deaths on the opposing side in Cyprus is also a significant problem. It was crucial for Sevgul, who works internationally, to challenge this persistence.
Wars have shifted focus from soldiers to technology. Oftentimes, the narratives of peace advocates also have to adapt to this new order. As I contemplate death, I write about loss. The global health and care crisis worries me. If more focus is placed on these issues and funding is increased, overcoming death may become easier. However, the exploitation and costs created by some pharmaceutical companies pose challenges.
I constantly hear about new losses around me, and I feel immense pain for my lost friends. The daily news can sometimes lead to the loss of familiar faces. After many heartbreaking announcements, I often feel as if there’s another world beyond.
Particularly through international sources like The New York Times or The Guardian, I read hopeful news about new health findings. However, the complexity of the process and the extent to which the wealthy can access these developments give me pause. My recent experiences with European bureaucracy have heightened my concerns. Learning that my friend’s father has now given up on going to university reflects these bureaucratic obstacles.
In the midst of all these processes, it is essential to remember that each of us has a story. How these stories end and how we will be remembered by others is crucial. My friend Mesut was one of the kindest individuals in this world, and the impact he left behind continues to be felt within us. Witnessing his illness makes his loss even more painful.
Who knows what we, the survivors, will experience, and what events we will witness? In such situations, I often wish to remain silent. The words within me are filled with a sense of shame. I have never managed to say goodbye in this life.
Source: www.yeniduzen.com
