I had been for a funeral of a neighbor today who was in his
60s. This uncle was very sick since the last 2 months and had health issues
from the start of this year. My mom did update me about him being serious since
the last 3 weeks. He finally passed away a couple of days back.
He was a very jolly person from what I knew about him. The
priest and his wife only confirmed the same at his funeral ceremony. However, what
touched me about his final days is the following incident.
Just a few days before his death, he asked his wife for a
piece of paper and a pen. He started making a note of people involved in his
life that he wanted to thank. I understand that his family members have already
passed and would pass on the message to others on behalf of him.
Here is a person writhing in pain in hospital for the last 2
months. For some reason, he felt he would not make it. What does he do? Thanked
all the people who played an important role in his life. I never heard
something like this before. What an amazing thought from his side at his
deathbed.
Life does not give such an opportunity to all of us. Some of
us will pass away all of a sudden. I know there might be a big list of people in
our life with whom we might have not been happy. However, there might be many
others, who might feel the same about us too. Is it worth holding these ill
feelings inside us?
We might not get an opportunity as this uncle got, or maybe
we might not be in a good frame of mind during our sickness to have such a positive
thought. Just imagine how nice would it be if we could continuously appreciate the
role of people that have played a positive influence in our life. A small thank
you would really go a long way in making someone’s day.
I do not want to regret later on missing saying, “Thank you…”
Thanks uncle for the wonderful lesson that you taught many others and me through
your death. Cheers Uncle!
