A great relief

An eighty year old retired teacher Ms Saloni murmured-“A great relief”. I was standing near to her to attend a funeral of a close friend.  No one will say that Saloni has seen eighty spring seasons. Her bones were not shrinking. Her eyes sockets never got deeper. Eye brows were very prominent. She had a smart walking style. Her eyes, ears and teeth were strong. Her mental. Physical, emotional and financial health appeared to be very sound. Even now she will be seen with her students at home teaching them English and Mathematics.

I wanted to know what she meant by “ A great relief ?”

She started: - “See this lady Vasuki who expired is also of my age. She has three daughters. Vinitha, Varuni and Viveki. Mother, a widow after her husband’s death brought up these daughters and got them married. All are settled and living with their husbands. Vasuki the mother had her own age related medical problems.  Like a football she will be shunted from one daughter to another. Each one has their own problems and cannot take care of mother. Vasuki has realized the situation. Her health was deteriorating day by day. She couldn’t get proper treatment. Daughters were otherwise busy with their responsibilities.

Old age is a curse. No one has time to take care. What old people require is not financial wealth. They require love and care. That was lacking here in this case. Last night Vasuki left this world. It is a “great relief for her daughters”.

Old age is a curse. Old people will feel unwanted and neglected. Almighty should call them before they face such a situation. I always keep myself busy and fit. My life’s expiry date is also fast approaching. Want a sudden departure without troubling any one.”

I realized that how true it is. Each one of us has a part to play. Almighty should call them back after the part is played. Never make a burden to anyone, even to our own children.