Life is unpredictable, are you prepared?

Life is unpredictable and death is inevitable, but knowing this alone doesn’t make it any easier to endure the loss of a loved one. For those who have recently lost a loved one, the intensity of their pain may be indescribable, unlike anything they have ever experienced before. Well, why am I talking about death suddenly? The sudden and unfortunate demise of a senior scientist in our institute made me think about it. I was reminded about the anxiety we experienced when we got the news about my dad’s accident. And since then, there hasn’t been a single day when I don’t thank God for gifting his life.

It makes me wonder, how fragile human life is. We make plans for future not knowing whether we will see the next day. It usually never goes the way we plan or would like it to go. We existed moment to moment, never knowing who would be the next one to leave this world. Life is uncertain; it changes along with every individual. Today we have, tomorrow we may not have, so be thankful for the good we have, no matter how tiny it is. And don’t ever get too comfortable and lazy; always be ready for a change. Do what you plan to do as soon as you plan it.

I used to call my dad every morning before going to office and in the evening after coming from office. On the day of his accident, I couldn’t reach him. His cell phone was switched off. I thought he might be in Operation Theater; otherwise he never turns off his phone. I called him again in the night after dinner but couldn’t connect to him. I thought I will call him tomorrow morning and slept not knowing what is happening to my dad on the other end. When I couldn’t reach him the next day also, I called up my mom to find out about his whereabouts, she told me his phone got damaged and he has given it for repairing. Somehow I couldn’t trust that because I know my dad, it is very unlikely of him. He never misses a day not talking to me. But I was too scared to ask Mom. My heart knew something was wrong but I didn’t have the courage to ask. I just kept quiet praying to god to keep my dad safe. Finally after 3 days, I lost my patience and asked my little sister about it and she broke in tears, I couldn’t bear it and I disconnected the call and closed my eyes hoping that it might be a nightmare and I would wake up soon to an entirely normal world. But how harsh it may sound, it was the truth. I took the first flight and reached hospital where my dad was admitted. Since that day I have been waiting for my father to get well so that I can tell him how much I love him which I have always felt but never said it the way I feel it.

Today, during the condolence meeting of our dear mentor, I was reminded about the whole incident. And I could feel the pain of his family, though what I experienced is far less than the pain his family is going through. And I thought no one deserves this, no one deserves to die because it is more painful for the loved ones than the person who leaves the world, leaving behind people crying for them. However, can we control life, no we can’t. All we can do is to live each moment as if it’s our last day so that we don’t have any regrets in the end. Don’t waste another minute on the people, places and things that don’t make you happy. Don’t save your happiness for the future. Life has many unpredictable moments, many paths and memorable times. So enjoy the surprises, explore new paths and cherish the memories. And most important of all; start communicating your feelings. If you love someone tell them right away, you may not get another chance. If you wish to do something, start today. Live each moment, live life.