Some last moments spent with grandfather

yogitasahu23 — 2024-01-24 06:22:24 UTC

I lost my mother around 8-9 months after my birth due to an accident, and even today, I hear praises about her behavior, character, and virtues from my relatives and neighbors. I've never seen her or even have a picture of her, but some people say that I resemble her or, in other words, I am her shadow. This brings me immense joy, and I often try to imagine her in myself.

My upbringing was taken care of by my grandparents, especially my grandfather, as my grandmother passed away a few years later. By the time I was 5, my grandparents and I were living alone. As the years passed, my grandfather got frail, and he started facing health issues. Eventually, the time came when I had to take care of his every need, from meals to medications. It became my significant responsibility, and I spent time massaging his feet every evening.

One day, his health deteriorated suddenly, creating a tense atmosphere in our home. Many relatives and well-wishers came to visit, offering assurances that everything would be okay. Deep down, everyone knew that things might not improve, and the inevitable time had come. Despite his illness, my grandfather continued to think about me and worry about my well-being. He repeatedly told my uncle to take care of his "gudiya" (meaning me) and ensure that I lacked nothing.

When my grandfather's condition worsened, all close relatives gathered at my uncle's house to hear updates about his deteriorating health. Everyone took turns introducing themselves to him, but due to his mental state, he couldn't recognize anyone. Finally, it was my turn, and with encouragement from my sister-in-law, my uncle asked my grandfather if he recognized me. In a feeble voice, he responded with a phrase in the local language, expressing his inability to forget his "gudiya."

This moment brought immense happiness to me, and whenever I recall it, I feel overwhelming joy, with tears in my eyes. Unfortunately, his health didn't improve much, and I lived with an inexplicable fear. I learned to live without him, but the thought of his absence was daunting.

On February 17, 2022, everything seemed fine during the day, but in the evening, my sister and I returned from the market to find a crowd outside his room. As I entered, I saw him struggling to breathe, and within moments, his breathing ceased permanently. It felt like my world had shattered. They say time heals all wounds, but it took a while for me to accept that life doesn't stop with the departure of a loved one.

Thank you, Grandfather, for helping me understand so many things.

The human heart by Yogita Sahu

Some last moments spent with grandfather