Conversations with Death

There comes a time in life when we can no longer deny the existence of the inevitable, the end destination where all of us will arrive. It is a common topic of discussion between my Father-in-law and me as we sit across the dining table discussing who entered the hospital and who left it and in what condition. He is a joyous fellow so full of life that it is impossible to think of him embracing death. Yet, death seems to be on his thoughts and in his conversations. The other day, sitting across the table on breakfast, he told me about his conversation with death. He said, if he could write well, he would have noted his conversation down. I think I can write decently, so I decided to do the job for him. This is how he narrated the conversation to me.

Death: Radha Krishna Murthy, it is time for you to come with me

He: Ok! But you need to wait, I need to deposit some money in the account

Death: I cannot wait. You should have done it by now.

He: No, but you have to wait. I have to donate money to this cause. I did not get time to do it till now

Death: I cannot wait. You should have done it by now.

He: No no, you have to let me at least speak to my children before I leave.

Death: I cannot wait. You should have done it by now.

He: But I wish to spend some time with my grandchildren before I leave

Death: I cannot wait. You should have done it by now.

He: Let me at least sort out my Will

Death: I cannot wait. You should have done it by now.

And so on… And just like that he took out some cash from his bag and gave it to me with his blessings. He told me to buy something for Pavan and mine upcoming birthdays. He said, “I would rather, I share whatever I have while I am still alive so that I can at least experience the joy of giving. Once I am gone, it is all yours as it is but I will not be able to experience the joy of seeing you have it. I know Death is coming and I am not scared of it. I do not want to ask it to wait just because there is something I wanted to do in my life that I have not been able to do. I am blessed that I have been able to do whatever I wanted to do in my life time!”

Each time we talk about Death, I learn so much about Life from him. Death is an eventuality for all of us. And yet, how many of us are actually living our lives knowing that we will die one day leaving behind all that we think is ours? Our House, our bank balance, our children, our grandchildren, our clothes, watches, shoes, and even our own body. In spite of knowing  this, we spend the last living breath trying to capture a little more wealth, a little more power, a little more God Knows What!

It is easier to visualize our parents planning for the ultimate retirement. But then, shouldn’t we be too. Last few years have been a testament that Life does not come with a life time guarantee. Whether, we are 70, 50, 30 or barely 10 years old, I think everyone of us should live life the way by Father-in-Law does. Don’t keep a long wish list hoping to negotiate your life span with it. Share your joy, your love, your wealth today. For children and grandchildren, do not wait to talk to your parent tomorrow. Talk today and talk about everything under sun that you possibly can. If you are blessed to spend another day tomorrow, believe me, you will always have more to talk about.

P.S –  Nanna, I know you read my blogs even though you have never liked or commented on any one of them. And even though I love you so much, I have never written a blog about you. You know you are an inspiration to so many people and I am feel so proud and so lucky to have you as my Dad!