It has been 2 days since my grandfather passed away from old age(96 years and 8 months)..he had a witty sense of humor, even when he was in his deathbed. What I have learned from this man is that nothing lasts forever, life is short, death is inevitable, and I know his last wish would have been for us to not to grief and shed tears over his death, but to live on, and to make it count.
Ever since he passed away, and every time I walk into my grandparent's house, my head involuntarily turns to the chair he used to sit..he would usually greet me saying "Enna putha, awith inda ganda" (it means - Come son, take a seat). There are no words to explain the pain I feel inside of me every time I walk into that house, and to see his empty seat, which reminds me of the cold hard truth, that he is no longer with us. Today, my mother pointed her finger to my grandfather's chair, I stared at it for like an eternity where flashes of warm memories of him came to me of my childhood with him...his interest in Numismatics(collection of coins), his affection towards pets, and his deeply religious nature.
My warmest and fondest memory of him was when he was in his deathbed, weak and barely even able to open his eyes..I walked up to him and he recognized me, raised his right hand with much difficulty and took my hand , smiled and said one last word "...Putha"(son)
Aththa, I'd like to believe that you are in a better place, somewhere far away, but you will always be with us in our hearts. May you rest in peace and attain nibbana.
Your loving grandson, Aminda.
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