The monsoon in the hilly area and plush green surroundings was exhibiting a unique scenic beauty. It made a profound impact on young Richard. He was untiringly working hard to get sufficient funds to look after his ailing mother. He was feeling energetic and enthusiastic as he was aiming of fulfilling his dream of becoming an able and perfect human being. He wishes to become an icon; a beacon to the younger generation. He remembered his mother's advice, "Acquire knowledge, and be honest and kind, especially to needy and deserving people." She also emphasised that in the event of difficulties and troubles, always face them with confidence and fervour. His mother's will power was affecting them in a constructive fashion. She always expressed a satisfactory look on her face, concealing her agony and pain to herself. Her dream of seeing her children go through the university and get a degree was the sole aim in her life.
Richard was barely ten years old when his father passed away. His younger sister was eight years old. He failed to realise the family without a father. He could only see his mother as a source of inspiration and guidance. At times he felt a vacuum in his life. He felt that something was missing, and he needed a shoulder to cry. It was his tender age and young shoulder to bear the burden of a family. On the other hand, he was feeling a transformation of personality. He was progressively becoming a matured person and responsible young lad.
Ms. Jennifer Oswald has become a widow at a very young age. She was survived by two children; a son and a daughter. She realised her responsibilities and reconciled to the facts of life. These children have inculcated values and harmony of passage of life, through her teachings. She always narrated inspirational stories and encouraged them to be bold and extrovert. She guided them towards a rightful path and taught them to respect human values. She knew her terminal ailment and meagre income to sustain it. She was making their roots strong and powerful, to withstand the harsh realities of life.
After few years, her health deteriorated further, but she determined with a desire to live until she accomplished her dream. It was the sheer determination and will power to fight all the odds. Richard was continually facing an array of uncertainties. Jennifer could read his face and understood what was bothering him. She asked Richard to accompany her along with his younger sister Jasmine to a park on the Sunday morning. They finished their breakfast and went to the church. After the mass, they all went to the park. The lively environment, beautiful partly cloudy day and soft green carpet of grass were really refreshing their mind and heart. They all sat down on the grass, and she asked them to pay attention to what she was going to talk to them. She started with a broad smile and made them comfortable.
She asked jasmine, 'How do you feel being lonely and what you expect in life?'
Little Jasmine was, initially, dumb founded, and she replied that she will be like her mother and smiling all the time. She also said that she would be a good human being.
Both Jennifer and Richard laughed and appreciated Jasmine's excellent answer. She then asked Henry, 'What you expected to do and achieve in life?'
Richard replied with confidence and with an authority. He said that he would accomplish her dream and prove he is worthy of salt.
Jennifer then asked Richard to listen to her carefully. Jasmine suddenly felt unsecured as her mother's tone became a bit serious. Jasmine hugged her and looked puzzle. Jennifer smiled and asked the children to remember her advice and remained attached to each other. She told the children that she is suffering from terminal disease, and doctors have numbered her days. In the event of her death, she wanted her children to remain calm and resolute. She asked Richard to complete his education and look after the young Jasmine. She emphasised that they should refrain from getting nervous and disheartened. She quoted a famous proverb." God helps those who help themselves." She finally hugged the children and asked young Jasmine to be calm and patient. She expressed her desire to see Richard and Jasmine to go through the university and complete their degree. Richard looked upward and said solemnly; oh God! Let my mother's wish come through. They all hugged each other and returned home for yet another task and a dream to be fulfilled.
Jennifer went to the hospital for a routine checkup. The doctor gave another extension of few more months of her life. Each visit to the doctor gave her a fresh lease of life and her strength and willpower leaps and bond forward. The hide and seek between life and death continued for a decade, and Richard was moving forward towards his destination. The hardship was progressively mounting pressure on the Jennifer and her family. They have individually and collectively weathered all the odds and face the realities with a smile. Finally, Richard completed his undergraduate degree and took her mother along with him for the convocation ceremony. It was the most precious occasion for the entire family. After the ceremony, they all returned home and had dinner together. After the dinner, Jennifer asked Richard and Jasmine to wait in the living room. She went to her bedroom and returned with two small boxes wrapped in a gift wrapper and gave one each to both the children. They opened the boxes and amazed to see an awesome piece of crystal and a beautiful set of a pen and a pencil. They thanked their mother and retired to their respective bedrooms.
The following morning the children noticed that their mother was still asleep. They went in her bedroom to see if she needed any help. They noticed that she has passed away holding couple of envelopes in her hand. Richard and Jasmine have opened the envelopes addressed to them and read her last communication.
Dear Richard,
It appears that God has been very kind and magnanimous to listen to our prayers. You have successfully completed your university degree in spite of all the hardship and great inconvenience. Probably, I may not be there to witness your further progress; however, you must continue to reach the dizzy height of success and fame. Please remember God and thank Him for His kindness and magnanimity. Always be kind to people and help the needy. You must keep the honour and dignity and fear nobody. The fear will make you weak and failure. You must look after your sister and always be a shadow to her.
I am ending my letter, and I sincerely apologize to you that I provided meagre worldly comforts. My poor health and limited resources restricted my desires. God blesses you for your success and well being (Amen).
Love,
Jennifer
Jasmine has opened her letter and read it with heavy heart. Tears were rolling down her cheeks. This letter was the last communication from Jennifer to Jasmine.
Dear Jasmine,
I know you are my most darling child and such a pretty little princess. You are a much matured and very well behaved girl in that county. The school and college teaching staff and students vouch for it. I am advising you to be bold and brave. You must develop a habit of listening attentively to every single person you come in contact in your daily life. Always think twice prior to speaking. Once you have spoken then you will become a slave to the spoken words. Remember to appreciate the smallest gesture extended to you by an individual or a group. You must be generous and give towards charity even you have meagre and insufficient funds.
Please convey my love and regard to the hospital staff and the doctor, besides all the neighbours. Now, I will sleep and I love you my child. God blesses you for your success and well being (Amen).
Love,
Jennifer
The funeral was attended by all the residents of the community, children's college teaching staff and their colleagues. Her doctor and few nurses were also present for the burial ceremony. The priest decided to read the letters written by Jennifer to her children. When he finished reading the letters; tears were in the eyes of every individual. Richard and Jasmine thanked and promised to fulfil their mother's unfinished task. Both have continued their journey in the direction of dream destination.
A gentle breeze was blowing and ruffling of tree leaves were making a melodious musical node. It was soothing to the ears of both the children. They looked into each other's eyes and nodded in unison. Jennifer's sweet voice yet powerful in its entity, was reverberating in their ears. The famous few couplet of Longfellow she used to recite frequently:
TELL me not, in mournful numbers,
Life is but an empty dream! -
For the soul is dead that slumbers,
And things are not what they seem.
Art is long, and Time is fleeting,
And our hearts, though stout and brave,
Still, like muffled drums, are beating
Funeral marches to the grave.
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