Death is a great teacher. It’s just too harsh.

I wish I could tell you that through the tragedy I mined some undiscovered, life-altering absolute that I could pass onto you. I didn’t. The clichés apply – people are what count, life is precious, materialism is overrated, the little things matter, live in the moment – and I can repeat them to you ad nauseam. You might listen, but you won’t internalize. Tragedy hammers it home. Tragedy etches it onto your soul. You might not be happier. But you will be better.

Tell No One
Harlen Coben