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Death is a full stop. An end of a lifetime, an end of dreams, aspirations.
What stays back are memories, slices of life....of moments shared, of funny times and sad.
In a lifespan of three decades and a little more, not that I have spent a lot of time with him. A short holiday now and then during childhood, another few days scattered througout my growing up and grown up years were all that I spent with Mamu. But there are those who leave a stamp on your life without really playing a major active role in it.
He was one such human being. Jovial, full of fun and wit, with a wonderful camaraderie he shared with almost everyone whose lives he touched. Memories of Mamu will always be of a giant of a man, with a loving smile and a hearty laugh! A singer whose rich baritone could put many a 'singing star' to shame, a story teller par excellence, whose ghost stories could send shivers down our spines, a giver of my hand in marriage to SD (he conducted my 'Kanyadaan'-giving away the bride) are some beautiful memories that I have of him.
But it was during the last two years of his life that I realised that apart from being a genuinely good human being, what a strong willed, optimistic person he was.
A valiant fighter he was, fighting tooth and nail against the ravages of cancer and a failing heart, but always ready with a smile and joke. He carried on his normal lifestyle, driving around, going to work, participating in social functions, amazing us and the doctors, making us wonder where, amidst all his pain, he got the strength, to smile, laugh and be so cheerful!
A connoisseur of good food...though in recent times, he could not touch his previous favourites due to medical restrictions galore. That, however, did not stop him from regularly visiting my foodblog, appreciating and egging me on to write more...even giving lists of his favourites dishes.
His enthusiasm about anything we 'youngsters' did was so infectious & encouraging. Even on his last day, he had a joke or two for the nurses and visitors!
His pain is no more as neither is his mortal form.
But the soul, wherever he is, wouldnt want us to shed tears. Rather, I can only visualise him chuckling in his characteristic style, cracking a joke or two, seeing us all down in the dumps.
Goodbye Mamu....I only wish AD could grow up and meet this wonderful Dadu...but that was not to be...
Well, Mamu.....the heaven will be a funnier and happier place now, with you around, spreading the cheer and sunshine !!
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7 comments:
That was both touching and inspiring. Thanks for sharing.
What can I say but just that "to live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die".
At least your beloved Mamu has left behind such a rich storehouse of happy memories.
Oh and by the way, I caught up with your previous posts (rocks and NGOs) and liked them both. I'm 'following you', hope that's OK with you.
Thank you for sharing such an intimate story, SGD. My condolences...I'm sure he'll continue to watch over you and AD with joy and pride.
And now, I know how you got to be such a food fanatic:) Thank you for sharing and peace be with his soul....
I share your sorrow and tears and only say we have to accept this sad happening. May his soul rest with peace.
@Kavi, Sucharita, NM, PB:
Thanks for your 'being' there albeit virtually.
One thing I realised....deadlines, office work, professional commitments are never ending...but the ultimate power up there has his own deadlines....which are prefixed and unchangeable.
@Sucharita - Thanks....I too have been following you for some time now.. ;))
@NM - We are a family of gluttons and foodies.... :D :D :D
I condole with you for the untimely demise of your beloved mamu. Undoubtedly it is a great loss to all the family members,relatives, friends,associates and well wishers.The unbeatable dread disease not only drags a person towards death but causes an unbearable pain throughout till expiry. I recall those days when my grandmother was suffering from the disease and we were just mute spectators. She used to pray to god with folded handed everyday for getting a respite from the extreme pain. She used to tell us that even an enemy should not come in the clutches of cancer. My eyes are becoming bleary with tears.
I adore your mamu for his invincible spirit to fight out till the last bastion fell. Hats off to that great soul who made his best efforts to enjoy every moment of life knowing that his days were numbered. May his soul rest in peace.
I once again share sorrow with you..
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