When a loved one is dead, there is no suffering for him or her—only for the living. The pain caused by death does end, or at least it diminishes with time. But when a loved one simply disappears and is willingly absent, the pain doesn’t end for the one who is away or those who are left.

Many old people seek their roots toward the end of their lives. They find themselves alone and wanting to "go home." Contact your family from time to time—end some of your pain and some of theirs.