Facebook post 27th July 2022.
It was the year 2009 and an afternoon in the month of August. I remember it was during the Ganesh puja celebration period of 10 days in Maharashtra.
I was at my in-law’s place for lunch. We were talking about my father being sifted to the general ward in Dibrugarh medical college as the swine flu report was negative (many of you might still remember that swine flu episode).
The phone rang again and it was my sister. I spoke to her a few minutes back. She and my mother were in the hospital with my father. As I picked up the phone I heard her anguished and desperate cry, “Dada, baba is not responding. Do something”. I told her to give the phone to Mama (maternal uncle) who, I knew, was also there in the hospital at that time. Mama said,” Your father is no more”.
I couldn’t believe my ears. I couldn’t believe that Baba had passed away. No way. It was like…
I had a talk with him the day before. He sounded good.
All these years it had been a kind of one-way care between us. Though I always have deep respect and love for him I seldom use to call him and ask about his life. He was the one who did this always. I took him for granted in my life.
A couple of months back we met in Kolkata and for the first time after so many years, we had a long talk about everything that was going on in our lives at that moment. And just when I had begun to care about his feelings, and wanted to do something for him, he was no more.
The same night (early morning) I flew from Mumbai to Dibrugarh. When I reached home the next day morning, among so many people around, I found HIM LYING on a mat outside on the veranda. As I sat down and touched his feet I could no more hold down my tears back. I knew he was gone and it was too late for me to do something for him, to show him I cared. It was too late to be someone in life that he would be proud of.
If there is a small portion of good in me today, I owe most of it to Baba. From him, I have learned the lessons to love and help others whenever and however possible. He used to tell,” Always believe and help people. It is not always about money, people need your care”. He loved his family and cared for everyone around him.
I learned my lessons the hard way. And there is nothing I could do to revert that back. But, I can always follow his thoughts and try to help and care for people around me and add value to their lives.
Parents need to know that you love them and care for them. Don’t take them for granted. And be the success you want to be when they are still around and make them feel proud. And amidst everything going on in life, love, and care for people around you.
Do you resonate with this? Share your thoughts.
