We are each one of a kind. We filled a place in the universe at a certain time that no one else could. Not better or worse than any other, just unique for a purpose not necessarily recognized or valued by ourself or others. We each are part of the known and unknown and connected to all of it, like it or not. If our last years strip us of ego, it’s like losing a mask, a pretend importance, because none of us got a vote over who we were born to be. We weren’t dealt the same hand and we’re only accountable for the one we actually got in the complexity of personality, intelligence, family, opportunities, era of being, etc., etc., etc. And losing what we value in ourselves isn’t necessarily a loss in the greater scheme of things including the effects both pleasant and unpleasant our losses have on others.