I hold it true, whate'er befall;
I feel it, when I sorrow most;
'Tis better to have loved and lost
Than never to have loved at all. – Alfred Tennyson
Today is the day dedicated to this exquisite and sometimes overrated feeling “love.”
Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking.
It is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails. - I Corinthians 13:4-8
On this day of celebration of love, happiness filled my heart and came streaming down my eyes. The setting is pristine, sheltered by love, kindness, and humanity – here hundreds of human beings, I say “human beings” because there is no cast or creed or any artificial barrier here – no one is a Hindu, Muslim, or a Christian or any other religion- the only thing that reigns supreme is the faith and the hope interlaced with struggles. These people in this stage of their life brave the everyday inadequacies living the harsh reality that their body, mind, and loved ones do not care for them anymore. Their hopes are broken, more than their bodies; each wrinkle hiding the life that once was, each face with a story to tell - “My children are abroad; they cannot take me with them. My son is throwing me out of the house. We have become a burden to our children, the very children we dedicated our entire lives to. Ours is a different story – we do not have any offspring. (I wondered if they are better off now or like the rest of them there if they had children). Can I get a roof to mend the broken pieces of my heart and find a little peace, a little hope, and a little love, someone to just talk to, some one who cares?
Thank you my dear friend, Leena, for making this day the most happiest day in our lives by bringing about this opportunity to visit the Little Sisters of the Poor!!!
A single rose brought the most radiant, beautiful smile that lit up my heart and she blessed us for such a small gesture.
We met a couple, whom we called “uncle n aunty.” They are happy, together, and very much in love. They have no regrets they do not have kids or that they are staying in a home. Uncle told us about “the good times” when they watched a lot of movies in theaters for just 5/- a ticket. Aunty fondly chides him saying that she cultivated movie watching for his sake. He adds that these are good times too as we are happy. We sat and talked amidst the rustling leaves and chirping birds about their life, tribulations, and how they found peace here. They get up at 4.30 a.m., have breakfast by 8, coffee at 10, lunch at 12, and supper at 6. They are treated with respect and care and they have the liberty to go out, just have to keep them informed. Their every need is taken care of and they are loved and respected. Isn’t that all we need? When we bade goodbye, we hugged and I was almost in tears and aunty said, “Come back again.” As we walked away from the Little Sisters of the Poor, we realized they gave us a chance to be a part of their life and a chance to make our life meaningful.
“Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them, and they bless you, the giver.” – Barbara De Angelis
Address: Little Sisters of the Poor, 08022270273, 26, Hosur Road, Residency Road, Bangalore 560 025; Next to Baldwin’s Boys High School.
You can sponsor a meal or go with a kind heart and a helping hand.
