JOY OF GIVING
LT COL NOEL ELLIS
06/XI/2021
As the curtains close to our tenure in this place,
it is time to say goodbye to many things. They have a sentimental connection as
they were part of your household for so many years. Still, life has to go on.
A fridge was with us for more than fifteen years.
Though it stood silently in a corner of the kitchen, humming and murmuring a
little, chilling beer and water bottles and making ice on demand. It was in
high demand during the heydays. Besides, it did all the chores effortlessly and
dutifully all these years.
As age caught up, its arteries got blocked, had gas
problems but then a quick visit by the ‘refrigeration doctor’ put it on road
and ran even better. Unless there was no electricity or it was in transit and
disconnected, this sweetheart did not stop keeping things chilled. It was high
time to bid it farewell.
As it was lifted out of the kitchen, it resisted,
it tilted and almost toppled over, bringing our hearts to our mouths. ‘Bhaiya
dhayaan se, kahin chot na lage’, said my wife. The door opened right at the
kitchen entrance and blocked the path like children throw tantrums when they
are taken to the doctor. They stand holding the doorway, cry and shout and shed
tears. So did our fridge.
Some water which must have accumulated in the
freezer fell down as if it wanted to stay on. We ‘tixo-taped’ the door then
only left. She climbed the tempo with great difficulty as if in pain. We rushed
to the window to see her leave round the bend. She was gone forever. Goodbye
fridge.
Yesterday was another difficult day for us. Our
babies were going to a better home. Yes friends, our plants. It was after great
deliberation that we decided to carry a limited few to our next destination.
The climate, soil, space, scorching sun and brackish water of the desert may
not be very conducive for them. To maintain such humidity would be an issue.
So, we decided to part with some, with one condition, that they had to go to
plant lovers who can nurture and care for them better than us.
The tempo came and with a heavy heart we started
pointing to the pots for them to load. We lost count. Instead of making them
suffer the agony of the long and arduous journey to resettle at the new place,
they would be at peace in the nearby locale.
Each one was as dear as the other one. Soon they
started disappearing inside the covered pick-up van as if going inside a
covered palanquin. Most of them were blooming like a new bride. The men needed
a break to relax their muscles but there were still many more to go.
The grief in our heart was so much that one
couldn’t take a last photo of them. By the time one took out the mobile the tempo
was round the bend and gone. Farewell my dears. We know the home you have gone
to would look after better and remind them of our association and friendship.
They say that the Almighty knows the intentions of
the people who care. As we turned back towards the rest of the pots, who
definitely needed an explanation for this sudden exodus. We found our garden
full again. All those spaces which had been vacated appeared to be taken by the
pots we had adjusted in that space. Both of us looked up to the sky and thanked
the Lord for his blessings. Plants gave us so much joy all these years &
shall continue to be a source of joy to our friend.
Many people have been asking us to carry everything
to the new destination. Some say ‘you will miss your garden so don’t leave
anything’. Of course, we will take some. However, the Army postings taught us
to prioritise. A new beginning at our new place.
Once we get there we shall start afresh. The
varieties which are ‘local’ have a better survival rate shall now ordain our
garden. Lack of this luxurious space and a sprawling lawn will put some brakes
as the hundred odd pots which we intend to carry may overflow. Rest assured this
hobby has made deep inroads into our lives and shall stay with us.
The pain of letting a dear one go shall ever remain
but then to reorganise ourselves with a fresh outlook and mindset is what life
is all about. The joy one gets in sharing & giving cannot be explained. It
has been an experience in life, the more one gives the more one gets. Have you
folks experienced it? I wonder!!!!!!!!!!!
JAI HIND
© NOEL ELLIS
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