An Old Friendship

--by ram mohan, posted Apr 15, 2006

This is about an incident which took place couple of years back.

I used to frequently visit an old age home run by the little sisters of the poor in our city Hyderabad. A.P. (India) There I met a gentlemen by name Kurien who happened to be a Keralite in his late eighties. He served the Indian army and retired. He has one son who is well educated and also married. He just does not bother to take care of him nor respect him while he is in the house.

Mr. Kurien got dejected with the life in his house and decided to move into this old age home here in Hyderabad. We both began to share a lot thoughts whenever we met and slowly it was a daily affair that I used to spend some time with him discussing what he was doing in the army, their daily schedule, march pasts camps food fun etc., which he used to share with lot of joy.

I used to carry with me some snacks which we both used to sit under a tree and eat. I saw him really very happy in my presence. One day He told me with tears in his eyes "I really found a very good freind in you. I feel like living some more years to spend happy time iwth you."

As we departed, I told him "do not worry god will give you enough time to spend with me." I had an official meeting and could not the next day to the old age home. The day after when I reached the home his room was locked. I enquired and found that he was no more. He died the very night we both met last.

I really miss him. I have not given him any thing worth while. except that I used to listen to his words and share his thoughts.

Lets us share what we can.

6968 Reads

Posted by ram mohan
Apr 15, 2006
Comments (16)

Readers Comments

Mindy wrote: What greater gift can we give to our fellow man than listening to his words and sharing his thoughts...with an open heart. Thank you for giving this gift, ram!

Farhana wrote: I have tears in my eyes! I also used to volunteer. One elderly man who I met in a hospice touched my heart because he loved seeing me so much he gave me a the simple gift of a seasonal fruit. Listening is a wonderful gift Ram - thanks for sharing your wonderful story.

Bindu wrote: You have given him the best gift to him Ram .. your time and your patient ears . Thanx for sharing this wonderful story. God Bless!!!

philip1957 wrote: listening with love to somebody will easen the load of the person who is talking.Caring and sharing is the perfect antidote to this highly stressed life.

LadyK wrote: Very touch story indeed.

melesai wrote: You did give him something. Most people ignore the old. Thank you for giving him you. How precious is that.

Emrald wrote: You have done really beautiful work,. Thanks 4 sharing.

ivy wrote: You helped him to move on in his onward journey with a lot of dignity. God bless you

touching wrote: This story made me get tears in my eyes

TXWildflower wrote: Honey, you have him the best gift. Your time and your caring. God bless you!

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