The Fundamentals of Life
17:43I've witnessed a mother attending her son's funeral a few years back.
Heartbreaking as it was, everyone had learned to move on.
Recently, I witnessed yet another similar event, this time portrayed by a husband and his chronically ill wife.
***
It was noon, and everyone was gathered in the private ward, circling around the hospital bed upon which she was resting. Her husband was by her side, slumped in his wheelchair with tears continuously pouring down his face, filling up the creases in his skin.They were all whispering into her ears. Some pleaded for forgiveness, while some prayed for her.
I stood across the room facing her, unable to contain my very own share of tears.
I watched in silence as she heaved short, troubled breaths, pausing every few seconds to let air in. There were so many wires poking out from her arms, connected through needles that were jabbed into her skin before.
In time, her breaths grew heavier, and the beeps of life began to slow down.
At exactly 2:10 p.m, she passed away.
It was a devastating and an agonizing moment for everyone who was present, but I could see that it was even more painful for her husband, who could only afford to bid her farewell.
She was buried at approximately 1 a.m on the day itself, and that was the last time any of us would ever get to see her again.
***
I guess what I'm trying to say here is that, life has its expiration date and there are no reasons good enough to hold you back from living it. That being said, it doesn't mean that you have the absolute power to live it out recklessly, so take good care of it. You only have one shot at it.
And apart from that, people come and people go for a reason. Though it may seem hard to bear with, it's something you must learn to endure. Before you know it, it'll be your turn soon and saying goodbye won't be easy, but you'll have to do it.
In loving memory of Salmah binti Hashim, dearest wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother.
(22 Nov. 1928 - 1 Jun. 2014)