Some life paths have existed as choices when young, every road open to the future, meaning that some other path in life still existed as a possibility.

Whether or not to have children. What career to choose. How to care for health issues or ignore them.

It's like when a loved one dies, and the possibility no longer exists to see or hear them ever again.

It occurs to me that some of those possibilities are closed now for me. The choice has been made. For better or for worse, the die has been cast.

I can no longer have children. I have had my career and retired. My health demands certain care.

Puts a different perspective on things. The possibilities are more restricted now. I find that some things I cared about passionately just a few months ago are no longer my concern. And issues I would mull over no longer apply.

A different world.