Losing a loved one is one of the most painful experiences in life. It can make us question our priorities, our values, and our choices. It can also force us to make difficult decisions, such as whether to pursue our dreams or to honor the memory of the deceased.

This is the dilemma that many people face when they have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that coincides with the death of a family member. For example, I recently read about a girl who had the chance to join a prestigious program that she had always dreamed of, but her grandmother passed away in the middle of it. She was torn between going home to pay her last respects or staying to complete the program. If she chose the former, she would have to give up her dream and settle for a mediocre life. If she chose the latter, she would have to deal with the guilt and the resentment of her family.

Another example is my sister, who had been preparing for a year to audition for a performing arts school. She had failed before, but this time she was confident and determined. However, on the second day of her auditions, her father died unexpectedly. Our family kept calling her to come back and abandon her auditions, saying that it was her only chance to say goodbye to her father. But my sister refused to give up. She said that her father would have wanted her to follow her passion. She finished her auditions and got accepted into the school. She then came back for the funeral, but our family was not happy with her. They said that she was selfish and disrespectful.

I admire my sister for her courage and her conviction. I think that she made the right choice. I don't think that we should sacrifice our dreams for someone who is already gone and won't come back. I think that the best way to honor the memory of our loved ones is to live our lives to the fullest and to pursue our happiness. I think that this is what they would have wanted for us, too.

Of course, this is not an easy decision to make. It requires a lot of strength, wisdom, and compassion. It also depends on the circumstances, the relationship, and the personal beliefs of each individual. There is no one right answer for everyone. But I hope that this article can help you to think about your own situation and to make the best choice for yourself and your loved ones.