dignity @ end of life..

 dignity @ end of life..

do we have time to think about this?..in the race for material things and dignity misconstrued.. are we ready to face this phase of life? and more than that do we give thought to provide a dignified end to our own parents ,near and dears? this question daunts me always.

I had just moved to the rented apartment ,sipping my filter coffee and gazing at the unusual lazy morning traffic ,down the floor an old man in his 90s relaxing  with his morning dose of nicotine  and throwing the piece at the neighbour's compound caught my attention..

OK..OK..let him enjoy..rushed to the morning market and on the way back ,was waiting for the lift..generally waiting time near the lift gives you an opportunity to make friends.. I could see an old lady with her shopping bag in one hand and holding her knees on another,approaching the lift. I rushed to  help her out..but as a custom she refused with a friendly smile.. no exchange of words..hurried and restless she left the lift.. something struck me? is she related to that man i saw in the morning..?

I was lucky enough to get the answer the next day itself..the old man is the brother in law of that aunty . 

his biography..

 neither principled nor worthy of respect..a chain smoker ,jobless...and all the negatives in one man.. his wife bid goodbye during his middle phase of life..no issues..no commitment in life..

but blessed with a younger brother and brother's wife who started shouldering him..again a second innings of funfilled life..

 dependant ..but dominating as ever.. demanding food of his choice ,stealing money and what all atrocities...with the walking stick he never missed his daily fitness routine.

one fine day he had a very bad fall and was rushed to the hospital..a new twist in his life..the care taker family was waiting to get rid of him.. and this chance they never wanted to miss..semi conscious he was sent directly to an old age home.. expenses were met ..but his people never met him after that..the awaited end came...no last rites..no condolence..mass cremation...electric crematorium swallowed him in a second.. "we have done everything ,more than everything for several years..enough is enough ..a sigh of relief...

but i was not convinced..for so many years somebody  had  the patience to handle such a person.. why not a kind heart to bid adieu to the departed soul..

the soul needs the solace ..

the old man never straightened his bend!!..the family bending to their own logic..

there might be arguments for and against.. but..my thoughts wandering..

how quintessential is to lead a life with an unfettered dignity especially during the final chapters ...concluding days..

..inviting A glorious sunset at the twilight years....that's  called a perfect life..

Akila