the roar | viewpoints | 7
friday, oct. 29, 2010
Loss of grandfather serves as reminder of time together
alinadattagupta I had never lost anyone close to me before. I never had anyone I knew so well no longer be a part of my life. I had never experienced the feelings and sentiments of deep loss or grief. That changed this past summer when my grandfather passed away exactly a week after I left India and returned home. I do not think his death would have been as painful if he had not been such a great influence on me throughout my childhood. He was the reason we visited India every year. He was the reason that our huge extended family always kept in touch with each other. Every time I met with my family in India, I heard stories of how much he loved to visit many different places and how much he enjoyed the company of his loved ones. I heard stories of how he changed the lives of many people, and in many ways, he definitely touched mine. By watching him silently suffer for eight years from Parkinsons’ Disease, I learned the true meaning of strength and courage. I never heard him complain of the pain he experienced. I never heard him complain of never being able to walk. I was able to watch him enjoy the simple pleasures that life offered
him in his present situation. I would see a smile form on his face when he looked out of his window and saw the sun shining on the Victoria Memorial Building. It must have brought back so many memories of when he was young and had visited the place. I would see how happy he would be when we would sit at his bedside and play chess with him. I would see how delighted he would be when we would surround him with pictures drawn by my sister. I dreaded every year when we said our goodbyes to him, fearing that each year would be his last. This year,
because of his deteriorating health, I thought that he would not understand that we were leaving. Much to my surprise, he did. He shakily placed one hand on his heart and the other hand on my head and blessed me with a prayer. I do not think I will ever forget that moment. Now when I speak with my grandmother over the phone, I can sense the loneliness in her voice. It is hard for me to comprehend that someone who I knew so well is gone forever. When I go back to India, my grandfather’s bed will be empty. I will no longer be able to share my school experiences with him or hear him call out my name. I will never hear him tell me stories about his past when he was growing up. I knew that someday he would no longer be there, but I did not know the kind of feeling that I would experience. It is true that I will miss him dearly. It is true that I will miss his laugh and smile. But I know that I have his blessing and that is something I will treasure forever. Alina is the News Editor for The Roar. If you would like to share your thoughts with her, email her at the.roar. dattagupt a @ gmail. Art by Morgan Murphy com.
speak out Discussion Board Each issue, students can submit responses to The Roar’s Speak Out forum. These questions will be posted on Facebook.
Question Is religion something that you choose yourself, or is it involuntary? Cole Glidewell, junior I believe it is a voluntary thing--through your relatives’ beliefs and practices, you can make your own choice. However, when you grow up in a religion, it usually becomes a part of your life. Also, as you live your life, certain experiences can either strengthen or change your thoughts about religion. Angie Vanegas, senior People aren’t born with the knowledge of religion. It’s taught to you by your parents or adults you’re close to. You grow up agreeing or disagreeing with what you’re taught, which makes it a choice whether or not to believe. Josh Schulman, senior All religions are based on faith rather than fact, and an individual should be free to choose whatever they believe is the most “believable.” There’s absolutely no way to prove that without a doubt one exact religion is the only path to salvation. If it isn’t your religion, so be it. There’s no way to prove for a fact they’re a lesser human than you or destined for hell. Matthew Lyle, senior In a certain sense, beliefs are chosen, but for the vast majority of people, religion is a cultural trait just as much as skin color. This is why I believe that religious discrimination should be treated as harshly as racial discrimination. Add your opinion and see more responses: Friend Roar Newspaper on Facebook.