THE LAST FEW MOMENTS
How Do you prepare for death? They never taught me that?
“A Dying Man needs to Die, as a Sleepy Man needs to Sleep. And there comes a time when it is wrong – as well as useless – to Resist”
The Man looked out the windowpane and seemed almost startled, not by the bright light which shimmered through, but by the amount of Love, Life and Energy he could see. He separated his dry and chapped lips to speak – and for a second it appeared as though he couldn’t – until finally, a rusty and rough voice broke through —
‘You know, treasures of this world are so obvious at this time – my time of dying. Look outside the window. Are not the miracles of Mother Nature and of the Lord himself fascinating?
Beloved Friend, I’m sure you of all people can see the Young Man over there – carrying his son on his shoulders, face flowing with pride and delight, almost as if to say – Fear nothing little one, I’m here, I will protect you.
Surely you, dear friend of mine, can catch a glimpse of that little bird, hovering near the planted daisy by that garden. The flower is giving The Little Bird so much – its life, food, a promise for another day. Yet it asks nothing from The Little Bird. Mother Nature holds her children with the promise of tomorrow, yet he, the children, never thank her.’
He trembled with every single word he let out. I grasped his hands, just to hush him -he responded by tightening the grasp. I could feel the warmth in his hands as he went on –
“I used to be a Scout you know. Always Be Prepared they used to say.” He looked with those eyes which had seen so much – and forced a weak smile.
“But How Do you prepare for death? They never taught me that?
At that I saw my good Friend grasp his chest, momentarily letting go of my hand. Yet he went on, defying his own time.
“I felt cheated at first – when I got the bad news that is. Out of all the people, how could my turn already come? It felt as though life had cheated me. I felt unprepared – like a student does when he doesn’t read for his exams (smiling). I begged with God – begged him for a second chance – for a second take at life. Then in due course, after all the attempts went in vain – acceptance dawned over me – acceptance of what was to come – my impending end. And now, I feel neither happy nor sad, but peaceful. I’ve given up on life and it doesn’t feel depressing – nor does it feel like a time of joy. I feel calm and relieved. And I think this is what true happiness is.”
‘I share this with you today to remind you to stop and smell the Roses.
Tell those whom you love how you feel about them
Then came a long silence. The Old Man was probably worn-out after all the talking he had done. I thought of leaving, but I decided against it – after all I needed to be there for my friend. Bored stiff, my mind wondered out the window again. A man in his fifties, with worn clothes and torn skin was lying motionless on a deserted corner. People with Black suits and Boots on – headed for their offices – were acting as if he was non-existent. Strangely enough, the Old Man seemed to know what I was thinking –
‘It doesn’t really matter you know – money, cars and all that stuff. When you reach where I’m at right now – you’ll realize that what really matters is – well – Love – the people whom you love and more importantly, the people who love you. Cause when your time comes, all you’ll need is someone who can sit silently by your bedside – holding your hand – someone just like You.”
I can never forget what he said after this –
‘I share this with you today to remind you to stop and smell the Roses.
Tell those whom you love how you feel about them.
Be glad that you can.
Pause for a moment and imagine looking back at your life,
How would you view what seems so important and urgent today?’
Saying this he let go of my hands –
‘Please leave now, I have to rest before my long journey begins.’
–SHASHANK BISTA ( MY BEST BUDDY :D)
Thoughts and Reminiscence 