There are moments, as a writer, when you encounter work that simply resonates with a rare and profound power. It’s not merely “good,” but something entirely new, a voice that expands the possibilities of expression. Ben Sasse, former senator from Nebraska, has delivered one of those moments.
He revealed, with stark honesty, a diagnosis of stage four pancreatic cancer and the approaching reality of his own death. He acknowledged the grim prognosis – “a death sentence” – yet framed it within the universal truth of mortality that awaits us all. It’s a confrontation few are willing to articulate with such directness.
What’s striking isn’t the news itself, but the *way* he delivered it. Sasse’s writing possesses a disarming casualness, a use of everyday language – a “kinda” here, a “stuff” there – that feels profoundly authentic. This isn’t a polished performance, but a raw and honest reckoning.
He understands that optimism, while valuable, isn’t enough when facing the unimaginable. It offers no solace when contemplating missed milestones, like walking daughters down the aisle, or the grief of parents facing the loss of a child. He embraces a “reality” that demands more than simple hope.
His words echo across millennia, resonating with the ancient Greek explorations of the human condition. Sasse doesn’t shy away from pain, but places it within the vastness of eternity, quoting Isaiah’s prophecies and envisioning endless days dedicated to praise.
In a world saturated with curated images and performative displays, Sasse’s letter stands apart. It carries the weight of a “dying declaration,” a final testament imbued with a unique and undeniable power. It isn’t seeking attention; it’s offering truth.
The echoes of literature’s greatest meditations on death are present – Dylan Thomas’s defiant cry to “rage against the dying of the light.” Yet Sasse’s voice feels uniquely his own, grounded in a life lived with both intellect and humility.
He appears in memory as a man of simple gestures: running, chatting with colleagues, a regular presence amidst the grandeur of the Capitol. But his words reveal a depth that transcends the everyday, a profound understanding of what it means to be human in the face of oblivion.
Having lost a mother to cancer at a young age, and tasked with delivering her eulogy, I recognize the transformative power of facing mortality through writing. It was a difficult gift, but one that ultimately propelled me forward. Sasse’s words offer a similar grace.
In a time marked by ugliness and division, Sasse has offered a beacon of courage and clarity. His words are a gift not just to his family, but to all who encounter them, a legacy that will endure for generations.
His letter is a testament to the enduring power of honest expression, a reminder that even in the face of unimaginable loss, beauty and meaning can be found. It’s a profound act of generosity, and a source of inspiration for anyone who strives to connect with the deepest truths of the human experience.
As a writer, I am deeply grateful for his courage. His words have shifted something within me, and I know I am not alone. They will undoubtedly resonate with and empower countless others, a lasting testament to a life lived with grace and unwavering honesty.
