Why can a celebrity’s death still sadden us a year later even though we never knew them?

Sometimes missing a deceased celebrity also means remembering our own youth. Familiar songs, programs, and faces accompanied us growing up. Their departure can suddenly make us realize how far behind that period of our own life has become.

I felt this on seeing news marking a year since Barbie Hsu’s death. She was born in the same year as me. As a student, I listened to their songs and bought cassettes. Seeing the news again touched more than a name in a report: it recalled my younger self and the life familiar then.

I also wondered why some news remains deeply saddening after a year. Seeing relatives’ love and longing helps us understand the pain of losing someone loved. As a spiritual master, I generally encourage letting go and wishing the deceased toward a better place. Understanding that principle, however, does not prevent understanding someone’s continuing longing and reluctance to part.

For me, these feelings ultimately remind me to treasure people beside me now. Life eventually brings partings. No amount of money buys back a departed life or someone’s genuine love. While we can still be together and show care, treasure it. We need not wait until only memories remain to recognize the importance of ordinary days.