Thousands of miles away in distant New York, two buildings came crashing to the ground. With them the hopes of many, whose loved ones perished in what was to be the worst man sponsored catastrophe this century.
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Author: Nishant Rasheed
Exactly a year ago, thousands of miles away in distant New York, two buildings came crashing to the ground. With them the hopes of many, whose loved ones perished in what was to be the worst man sponsored catastrophe this century. I sat through the various TV programs trying to understand, to assimilate for myself the pain and agony of the endless hours of some news on loved ones. Now, exactly a year later, I can relate. I never really understood the meaning of the word “empathy”. For now I truly believe that there really is no such word. There is very little people understand of the word. It’s just a simple English term like hello till one is faced with a similar misfortune, one of many that life has to offer.
It’s really hard to comprehend that it’s a month now that Daddy has passed away. So hard because I still recall those “hi beta” whenever I logged on to the net to chat up with him. This past month has been terribly agonizing. My visit I thought would assuage my mom. It did. Only I came back more distraught than what I was when I left. While in Mumbai, I happened to catch a rerun of Friends. Phoebe Buffay was discussing something. Something that I began to contemplate about. Can one really see everything in life? After all with the frenetic lives we have to put with in this day and age, there really is not much to ponder and think about. I think today I have answered that question, much as a precocious teenager. I really have seen much in life. I’ve seen my mom’s distressed face when she saw her husband whom she had known for 42 years laying perfectly still in a statue like state. I’ve seen my tears roll of my cheek as I held my father’s head when I placed him in his grave. I’ve seen my mother’s face crumple in horror whenever I tell her that it’s just another 150 days for me to get back. I’ve see seen my sister cry herself to sleep unsure of how we are to manage in these difficult yet changed circumstances. I’ve seen the warmth of a friend who accompanied me holding my hand on that cold flight back home.
Everyday since the 11th of September I’d ask God. Why? Why us? Why now? My father still had such a beautiful life to lead. A life that I wanted to contribute to. I began to hate God for what happened to me, to my family. Whilst in Mumbai, despite my mom’s precarious condition I had to take her to see her friend’s mother who is suffering from terminal cancer. A lady whom I hardly knew. I saw death in her face. Another six months and she would be confined to the ground. She was suffering and would for another six months without being able to even imbibe water. I sat still in that cold, uncomfortable hospital ward trying to come to terms with death. My father died in perfect peace. In a way I’d like to pass away too. As I left that distressing place, I thanked God. My hair stood on end. I was one step farther from hate.
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Comments:
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A poignant piece it tugs at the heart. The transition from grief to mature acceptance is beautifully depicted in this write-up. Since it is now 2009, it would be apt to update references to time like ‘Now, exactly a year later’ and ‘Exactly a year ago’ unless you intend setting your piece in the past.
1. Title: The title is apt and depicts the underlying emotion of the article.
2. Format: The write up could do with better formatting and spacing.
3. Grammar & Usage: This article requires editing and proofreading to make it publication ready.
4. Language: Some sentences are too long. Shorter sentences would create a better impact.
5. Target Audience: The piece touches the heart and the audience is drawn in as they are able to empathise with the deeply felt emotions of the writer.
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