It could have been me..

The past few weeks have been filled with news that made you shudder every morning when we accessed the phone. Shudder to think who has hit the bucket, who else has succumbed to Covid, which family has been brought to their knees by this unknown, unseen enemy. It's the first time that you actually felt your breath every morning and sent out a silent 'thank you' for feeling it!

It also has made me think 'It could have been me..'

It could have been me whose passing away was being circulated on WhatsApp groups and so many people replying a life less 'RIP' or  'Om Shanti' and forgetting all about it the next minute.

It could have been me struggling to get an Oxygen bed desperately with the husband man running pillar to post for the same.

It could have been my obituary in the newspaper, which by the looks of it may need a separate supplement these days.

It could have been me who recovered from Covid but the lungs got so damaged in the process, that the body gave up.

It could have been my funeral not happening because of lack of place, wood , ambulance  what not!

However, since the Universe has been so  extra kind that here I am not only penning this down but also ringing in my next birthday, I feel humbled and rather privileged to be alive today! So what next? Having gotten this honour of being alive, I do feel a strong sense of purpose of service and sticking to the 'only' purpose of life - self realization. 




 I heard this vow recently that I could connect so well with

 "I do not know how far I've progressed or whether I shall arrive or perish on the way; All I know is that clinging to the hand of my Lord, I shall walk on. Let the world say what it will. Let the heavens shower their blessings of compassion or deal their thunders of doom. I shall walk till I arrive or fall. I would much rather drop off unfulfilled in this path, than succeed in any lesser sphere of life. This is my vow"

If you are reading this I request you to not only wish me success on achieving my purpose but what would you have said about me, if I had really gone away . It's like me wanting to read my obituary. Come on play along!  Say all the good , bad, ugly things about what I mean to you . This would be the best birthday gift for me. Thank you in advance!

P. S It is not an ego boosting exercise! 


Comments

VIVEK said…
I would have refrained from commenting as it is purely imaginative. Then I thought I would only say "Be Grateful and Thankful that you are Breathing and Adding value to your Near n Dear Ones in your own unique way.Happy Birthday".
Uma Chodavarapu said…
Firstly, God willing, that would never happen. I wish to still enjoy your friendship and kindness when we are doddering old 90+ year old still sniggering giggling friends.
Secondly, (not that I want to unnecessarily praise you, but) you are the sweetest being I know. I love the way you reach out to those you think need a loving touch. I love how you never give up on a relationship. Having you in my life has been the biggest plus!
I wish you many more happy birthdays and joyful moments! Stay healthy, happy and just as sweet!
Malini said…
I wish you all that life has to offer; the ability to find joy in the small and big things and really find true joy in giving. Let me share a quote I recently heard that I hope to follow and I hope means something to you. “From those to whom much is given, much is expected”. Wishing you the very best and hugs !!
Kiran Gudimetla said…
Very touching and so true…. That statement on RIP and Om Shanthi is spot on , I think the sensibilities in the society have come down .
However , how can I agree to this virtual goodbye and thank you’s etx …. I still need to have round two in Maharashtra Bhavan with you. Wait until then :)
Anonymous said…
Hi. Indeed a fantastic and unique way to celebrate a birthday on special blessed days like these. The article is is fabulous too. I personally am a very poor reader, probably, this is the first ever article of yours that I read. I must say you distinct flair for writing, appreciate it.
Wishing you all the best once again. God bless. Take care. Stay safe and healthy
Francis
Anonymous said…
Dear Sucha. I know you since you are a child. May be more than 40 years of which i would have dedicated 7th June for you in the last 30 years. So i have never imagined how it would be without you in this world. God give you hundred years of health wealth and Joy to you and your family. When i think of you the first thing that comes to mind is that child like Smile and those giggles that really ingnites happiness in the person that you meet. It is that love in you for human being that connects people to you. If my prayers are true then this smile will continue in the years to come. God bless you
Anonymous said…
Let's take a small step each day and make it together.
Unknown said…
Hmm.. Sucha .. as age grows it is inevitable to get such thoughts.. जन पळभर म्हणतील हाय हाय .. at the same time it is a nature's miracle that you will keep on enjoying many more birthdays.
Anjali
Anonymous said…
When you mentioned you want a gift on your birthday....never imagined it would be this....I was super excited imagining what would it be that you want me to gift you....Sorry, but the gift you asked is not affordable..... I don't even want to imagine a day like that.... Though it has not been very long since we met each other.....I can't imagine how I would have handled my grief when this Covid took my father away....Thanks to you all I survived the grief.....So I really wish I will not have to say any more goodbyes to anyone anymore and really wish and pray God give you a long long life so that you can help more people with your warm and caring nature. Stay blessed and have a wonderful birthday.
Rakesh said…
Hey Sucha been pleasure knowing you... You have been very consistent over the years: warm, simple, nice person, very witty & smart ! Stay that....

God bless you!

RD
Bhanu Chandar said…
I exactly echo the thoughts penned by one of your friends above Mr.Vivek...and...I would also love to add that You are one of the Most Sweetest friend I have...& I still remember the day you came first time to our house At Vasant Vihar for the Bhajans..& There was definitely a connect..So..I would wish you to be happy...Healthy...Hilarious & Inspiring..Love You...Sairam ❤
Prasanna said…
Happy Birthday Sucha I would not have had the chance to say this in person but through my prayers. May you be blessed with light and guidance in your quest of self realization
SUNANDA said…
A very well penned blog.. With the purest of thoughts and array of feeling which are so true.. Most of us feel the same thing day in and day out.. As a person u have been always Ready to give a helping hand to the needy, God bless have a fabulous birthday
Puneet Soin said…
Happy birthday Sucha ! Beautiful thoughts and absolutely agree in present conditions. Just a point... when we talk about thanking the lord for gifting us another moment....another morning..another day, why dwell over obituaries or such thoughts of the future.
Why not celebrate our beautiful past memories and our bright present.....Nevertheless one thing is for sure it has been a absolute pleasure knowing you since childhood....don't remember when and how we became friends in school but you have never failed to bring about a smile on my face in person or virtually....God bless you dear with good health, happiness and peace.
Indira Suresh said…
Dear Sucha,
When I started reading, I didn't expect that you would ask such a feedback like this!
In the present scenario every minute is a Blessing and everybody should be thankful to the Almighty in all ways.
Coming to the feedback,
I would have lost a very wonderful, enthusiastic sister in my life. This World would have lost a humble and caring Angel. The needy people who receive alms would be missing your help forever.
Definitely, each and every person born in this world will have an end, but let the Almighty bless you abundantly by giving you a complete life and allowing you to continue your daily routines without any hindrance.
GOD BLESS YOU SUCHA.
Great..n apt on present scenario. Happy birthday once again
Manju said…
Hey Sucha although we all know that death is the ultimate truth of life we all feel so uncomfortable to bring it up . We probably think we are going to last forever . And you are such a brave soul who actually has the guts to read how your near and dear ones react to your ‘ not being around ‘ . But I loved your resolve of continuing to hold His hand as you walk on the path of life which I know you lead with righteousness .
I remember you as my little friend in grade two who shared my bench , a friend who was immensely likeable , lovable , happy to help amd a congenial sweet girl .
On this day I wish you a life full of joy and happiness and may He take you on more adventures that will make every moment memorable and joyful .
The world needs love . And kindness .The world needs to heal . So hang in there buddy . You are not going anywhere so soon .
Not yet . ......Miles to go before you sleep .
Neha sharma said…
Truly to the core…. IT CUD HAVE BEEN ME!!! A beautiful write up from a beautiful and pure soul whom I ve always admired as my inspiration….no matter how much more v thank Almighty for one note day and a one more live during this pandemic who has actually gulped down so many of us!!!!����
But ma’am ur thoughts have actually pinned down the reality that cud ve happened to anyone of us so like u I’m also thankful to God for making me survive this HURRICANE!!!
Best wishes on ur birthday SUCHA MAAM!!!
Wud await for more of ur write ups!!!
Have a blessed and safe year maam
Regards
Neha sharma��������❤️❤️����
Unknown said…
I love the way you write. Through your blogs, I listen to your voice, I see your Frank self. You are bold and beautiful. The birthday gift that you have asked for is like a twist in the tale.
'Send me some feathers from your wings for I need to bookmark my chapters with you. Send me some smiles for I need to see Sunshine...watch over me as I exist untill we live again.'
Anonymous said…
Very touching and tears rolled out... last bye was more touching... destiny is the only word that is getting highlighted

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