65+

life begins and ends in shoonya. we start as babies fully dependant on others to care for us as our body-mind are still continuing their development till about 5 years. 65+ man returns to where he started, as hindu dharma declares to be a child again. visited a much respected leader who lived as a king, made sure all who came in touch grew to their fullest potential, happiness smiles joy was his gifts to so many, my family including. i saw him now 86 years old, unrecognizable but for the sparkle in his eyes that lit a million lives hearth. sat with him, tried in vain to get a conversation going but all i got was a smile behind which there was sadness. long term memories are retained by brain, so when older topics came up, he lit up. now and the future are not his forte now...past is a time warp in which he is ensconced. his family tried in vain to care for the carer who gave many lives a reason to live and prosper. they cant fathom the deep emotions that must be running in his mind, when eating sleeping or just sitting is a huge task. love is all one asks, few are fortunate to get it..many dont and silently leave with nobody watching. money wealth fame gold food drink entertainment power sex...all that which roared in youth like a hurricane is now a distant memory. mind sails a much calmer sea...eating to live, sleeping to heal and sail, till the day comes to adieu.

as i work in ElderCare for 16 years now, thanks to GE Volunteers who made me medical officer for LSP-little sisters of the poor [ https://www.littlesistersofthepoorindia.org/bangalore-st-joseph ] hosur road, Bangalore in 2005, every interaction is humbling. one learns to see life with respect love compassion as nothing lasts forever. this too shall pass...