Archive for March 2008
So Much More Than a Wrapped-up Gift
She’s sitting there in her room, all alone, the trees outside playing with the shadows on her bed. Her puppy lays on her lap, asleep. Everything else has left her, including the bright spark that used to fill her eyes and smile; ever since her husband left her; ever since he died. A devout Christian, she keeps patient through her prayers to the Lord.
She sits there, remembering the 87 years of her life, how it all went by so quickly, how her husband seemed to leave her so suddenly. Of course they had their regular arguments, but they loved each other dearly; they were the only ones who knew how to cope with each other. No one else could, not even their own daughter who grew up, got married and left them, never keeping in touch.
And then the door bell rings. It’s me, her next-door neighbour. Her puppy awakes and barks, rushing to the door excitedly, while she looks out the window. She sees a lady with a hijab and smiles, recognising me. Slowly she walks towards the door while I await with a medium-sized package in my hand.
I greet her warmly and tell her “Happy Mothers’ Day” while placing the package in her hands, which consists of a Mothers’ Day card and a box of delicious chocolates. She is moved- a little confused perhaps since Mothers’ Day is a few weeks away, but I didn’t want to wait- as I step forward and give her a bear hug, while my hand smooths the creases on the back of her cardigan.
She looks wonderful for her age; wearing a lovely necklace and earrings with a little blush and simple pink lipstick, with her short hair styled neatly. She is not like any other 87 year old I know; she looks after herself, she walks regularly, she’s well-presented. She puts me to shame, a younger lady who doesn’t do half of what she does. She is an inspiration. She is what I would like to look like if I am ever destined to live to my 80s. She encourages and inspires me to not forget to look after myself in the midst of my hectic life.
And after the chat we have outside her home, with the warm breeze caressing her puppy’s fur, she shares how much she misses her beloved husband, but how she must move on and live; life cannot stop for a person, though her memories are always of him. She is a wise lady who inspires me, who prepares me for my own journey ahead, though I selfishly pray to never lose a loved one.
As I left her I felt a glow in my heart. I had not broken my promise made months ago; I was looking out for my neighbour, I was reaching out to her. I was doing what I could, not only for the sake of God and because my religion tells me to look after my neighbours, but also for the sake of the sweet lady’s happiness.
Because to see her smile, to make my neighbour happy, the feeling I am left with is worth much more than you could ever imagine. It’s much more than the wrapped-up gift I handed over to her.
Unless, you choose to make the same promise I made.
