A tribute to an unknown friend

Some people leave an impression for a second, some for a lifetime. I woke up today hearing about the demise of a classmate, totally unexpected. Her big smile flashed in front of my eyes for a second. She had such a beautiful smile and big eyes that captured everybody’s heart. We have birthdays in the same month; hers one day ahead of mine and I thought about the final conversation we had, her wishing me for my birthday and asking to stay blessed. Life was cut too short and I wish I had held her hand a lot more. 

 Many years we all spent the days together in the same classrooms like a family sharing stories, joys and sorrows. Some bonds are strengthened and tested over time by adding new layers. Many weakened but there is still a twine that knit these bonds together giving us a unique identity in front the world.

We have come a long way from being naïve, ignorant and sometimes foolish to responsible adults. Decades of life have taught us one thing or another but what about the ego we carry in our hearts. The ego that is as big as a sky, never forgiving or apologizing, never letting go and keeps on harboring grudge spinning false stories. When will we accept others as ours, their differences as unique as our flaws and embrace in a one big hug? When will we all be able to put our hands on our hearts and say we are one big tree providing shades of compassion, kindness and encouragement.

Nobody is guaranteed another five more decades. Let us take this opportunity to build a new community based on love and respect. It just takes a fraction of a second to deflate the ego, but the reward is a big embrace where everybody feels safe, respected and nurtured.

The big smile that our demised friend had should have a purpose. Are we ready?  

 

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