My Son Turns Eighteen
I cannot help but think of this unique bond between us. Even though I do not recollect, but my mother says that our first meeting was at my birth. Oh that makes it nearly forty three long years. My companion too is not blank on thoughts, I was a loyal friend, offering always my other cheek without much pursuation.
To physically describe my companion, I do not have the acumen but I shall try. Crystal, clear, made with a lot of care and symmetry. Almost like Casper(the friendly ghost), would always arrive at the right time and be there gripping me until I could gather myself again. Woosh it would vanish! Sometimes leaving a tiny trail which would disappear before you could put you finger on it.
My companion and me were pretty happy with our live in relationship. No, do not get me wrong there was nothing scandoulous here. I am a loyal wife and mother to two now grown up children. They all had got used to my companion's looming presence in my life. Be it over stubbornness of my kids or their sudden burst of brilliance in accademics, my companion would show up. When I was with my kids or when my husband's job took me far from them it was my companion along with me. On the phone, even sms-ing, good times, sad times, emotional moments, unnecessary times, my companion never let me down.
Those were the days and today we walk the final steps, lightly, carefully, understanding each other's pain.
My son as he touched eighteen suddenly metamorphosed himself into a confident young man. His voice boomed and so his thoughts. He first questioned my companion's presence. I was taken aback. How could he but then he sat me down and said life is all about living each moment and not holding on to past or habits.
I have to choose and let go of my old companion." Why do you need your friend when life is showing you its brilliance? Why do you need to fall back on your mate when your daughter is taking her first flight to start her career? I know you would need your friend as you say goodbye to me at the airport, as I fly off for my higher education", he continued. "Let go " he said with a lot of firmness which stayed on in my mind.
Not necessarily all that is old and has been with us is good for us. Everything has a shelf life and some things just block our view and we have to remove it to allow fresh light to come in. The words of my young son kept ringing in my ears. Maybe I could see a trace of meaning in it, worth a try. It proved to be an easier task than I had anticipated, to take this last walk. A little bit of confidence can do wonders to one's self. His parting words at the airport were "believe in yourself, you wouldn't need a crutch" then he walked away and got lost in the crowd.
We arrive at the designated spot. Good knowing you I said in silence. Same here came the telepathic response. Lets meet once in a while, perhaps the day I give my daughter in marriage. You may not need me even then, came the casperian reply. Okay goodbye it is and as I put forth my hand, my friend had vanished.
In a reflex action I touched my eyes, it was dry, no more tears.
That is what I had bid farewell to. I broke into a smile, it rolled into laughter. I screamed out my son's name, see your mother atlast has broken free. No more tears from now on only smile and living every moment.
A buzz brought my attention to my mobile phone, son calling. "Hello" I said with my new voice. "Ma were you calling me, I felt so". I broke into a smile and said the sun had come out after days. "Wierd" he murmured, "for this you had to wake me up at dead of night, I have a presentation tomorrow, bye ma."
On my way back I bought a tube of teeth whitner, I will need it now! No I did not pick up my usual box of tissues.
1 Comments:
Great to know you have cut down on tissue expenses. If people like you have to use tissues, there will be very little fun left in this world:)
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