Letters for the Lualhati Elders

Many of them told me that they no longer expect to be one day fetched and taken to a welcoming home by a  long lost son, a returning daughter or even a distant kin. They just hope that as they wait and witness the slow passing of the remaining days, someone, perhaps a stranger from somewhere, wandering and searching for a good time to pass, would chance upon this quiet, lowly, weathered bungalow inhabited by stationary shadows; of beings grey, frail with fading memories; of old women crying dry, tired tears;of weary, yearning hearts and empty gazes of once fathers, of once mothers, of once live, happy beings. 

Such a simple wish yet it seems painfully too much for most of us nowadays. A visit from a stranger,a touch to warm their cold frail hands, a smile to brighten their mood and perhaps a short talk to revisit their once happy life. Even so these instances may prove challenging for many because whether we like it or not, the fate of these elders could have not been changed by a mere idealistic,compassionate call to arms. It takes more than that, it takes more than an act but it might take less of a day's fortune or even less of an hour's time. It may even just take a simple note, a message, perhaps a handwritten letter- possibly the only manner of communication they would remember from their hay days. Yes, a letter, from you- a stranger who might care to make them smile, to let them know that love is alive and flowing in the hearts of many. A letter that would guarantee that their remaining days are meant to be welcomed with bright rainbows and golden rays of sunshine and hope, of love, of faith that there are people out there, who would care, who would actually fo out of their way, to do this simple act of compassion. 

Sometimes we need to wander away from our own comfort zone and visit those who needs comforting too. Sometimes, we need to write to those who wont even expect a message from you. Sometimes, we need to close our eyes and imagine the things that others never felt or seen.

For these elders who have absolutely noone to lean on but their rickety beds on their last days, we have to extend a hand, we have to show love. We just have to.