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From The New York Times and WBUR Boston, this is a bonus episode of Modern Love. I'm Megna Chakrabardi.

Last month on the podcast, we heard the story of Catherine Friedman Hollins near death experience on a flight to Mexico.

Catherine Keener read her story titled Live Without Me, I'll Understand. Here's an excerpt.

No one speaks. There is this smell of something smoldering. A fire. Ange and failure.

I look into my husband's eyes begging for reassurance or an explanation. Again, he says we're okay.

The smoldering smell is strong now. And so we say what people say when they think it is the last thing the other will ever hear.

I love you. I love you too.

The airplane didn't crash, thankfully, but that brush with death forced Catherine to face the uncomfortable reality that if she had died after a long period of grief and mourning, life would have gone on for her family and friends.

So instead of feeling grateful to have survived, Catherine felt numb.

I've never had a near death experience, but when I think about it, Catherine's reaction makes sense.

It's jarring to realize not only how fragile your own existence is, but to then be confronted with the humbling truth that when our own individual lights blink out, the world moves on.

So what does that mean for how we should live? It's the question, isn't it? The one as old as humanity itself.

Many of you have had near death experiences and have confronted that question and we're grateful that you shared all that you learned.

Here are some of those lessons starting with Aaron from Spokane, Washington.

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