I've been trying to find the right words for a while, but I feel like I need to get this off my chest...
When people like Elon Musk say "my son is dead", they overlook the fact that many of us weren't truly living before. The moments we embraced or felt able to be our authentic selves were when we felt truly alive for the first time. Those who mourn this 'loss' are like audience members who miss the performance, but not the actor.
I’m glad you were able to get that off your chest, DVDBuff1. I really liked the way you put it, it’s very descriptive: “Those who mourn this 'loss' are like audience members who miss the performance, but not the actor.”
For kids who want reconciliation with their parents, I hope their parents work hard to deserve it.