Recently, I heard about an elder woman who lived in the neighbourhood. Lets call her Teacher. Her husband had died few months ago. And she was staying in her big home - All Alone. Yes, She had children. Two brilliant, talented boys. Both studied abroad with schorlaships, got into a job with handsome income. Came to kerala, married. And went back with wives. No, they didnt take their Mom along. They think they needn't .
Teacher was a simple kind person with very ordinary wishes. She wanted to be with people whom she loved. she wanted to see her sons and family. She wanted to be a doting grandma and play with grand children. She wanted to relax and enjoy the retirement life happily with people around.
But she was left all alone. All alone to herself in the big house which was built with many rooms for every member of the family.She no longer called it a home. It wasn't anymore. A home is where heart lies. Initially she spend her time reading , doing the daily chores, and walking around the garden. Then as time passed, she realised that there was no one who is bothered about her well being. The once in while phone calls from her boys had become even rarer. She had nice neighbours who dont involve in her personal matters.
She fell in to depression slowly.No one cared if she has eaten something. No one turned to check if she was doing well. Some of her relatives visited her sometimes. She still ensured that she is well groomed as she was in her younger days, with neatly starched cotton sarees. She tried to live her days ...
But... One day the village woke up to hear that she has ended her life in a rope. No one could believe their ears. Why would such a nice lady like her do this? Her old students vouched that she was a lovely human beaing. Why would a lady who is financially well-to-do end her life like this? Her sons were in US!! They are rich. They ensured that their mother has all facilities. So Why? Why then this tragedy? Why?
The Answer was simple.
Loneliness.
Loneliness is the felling of being alone. It necessarily need not be a state of physical loneliness. But its more of emotional loneliness. Having servants at home, neighbours closeby,relatives who frequented, and children who phoned... Is not just enough. She could not vent her inner feelings and desire. Her children did love her and respect her. The lack of expression of this love hurt her very much. She concluded that there was no need to live longer. Lack of love crashed her hopes. And when there was no hope, there was no dream. A life without a dream- hope -love- is the dreaded outcome of loneliness.
the orphaned, underprivileged, handicapped, poor, those in jail and old age homes, the wronged... loneliness haunts them.. day and night..
Blessed are the ones who have family, friends, siblings, colleagues... than those who dont...
