Sri Krishna who initiated and has carried out his street feeding or langar program "Pothigai Meals on Wheels" for over a year now went to the streets at noon yesterday to distribute food parcels and drinks. Surprisingly the moment Shanga stopped his car, although unmarked and with tinted windows, the homeless spotted us and made their way towards us, reaching out for the food parcels and clothings. Their was a broad smile of appreciation and gratitude on their faces as they received these handouts made possible with contribution from samaritans. With a hearty appetite, they immediately digged into the food, eating with eager pleasure. Although it was fulfilling to see these sight and having served fellow beings in hunger, but there was a sadness to it too, in seeing their fate and how life has dealt a cruel blow to them. With a sense of helplessness we returned to our normal lives and our family, with gratitude and thanks at having a roof over our heads, having clothing to wear, and food on our table.
A day earlier Bala Chandran's family cooked and served the inmates of a home, a noble gesture that they have been carrying out for the past year now. Although bringing food to the inmates of homes gives joy to the donors, there is a sadness in our hearts at seeing their fate and life come to an end at an old folks home. There is no cheer in their lives instead we see an emptiness in their eyes and a sense of being lost. They while away their time, sitting idle till their last days.
When my wife was admitted in the wards recently, and was wheeled in, a seventy year old occupied the bed next to hers. The old lady who was senile, was operated on her leg. She was from an old folks home. After dumping her at the hospital, no relatives of hers or anyone from the home came to look her up. It was a sad thing. My wife tended to her for a while till she was whisked away after she began to lose consciousness. She never came back.
Serving the poor, the needy and the handicapped, makes us realize how gifted we are. We tend to appreciate life more. We begin to drop complaining about the numerous small inconveniences that we tend to look as a huge problem to us.
Visiting an hospital makes us realize how gifted we are. We tend to appreciate the good health and good fate, showered on us.
Let us not complain. Accept life. Cherish every moment. Love those around us. Lead an honest life. Keep good company. Look out for opportunities to help others. Be grateful.