Typing away to a blissfully happy old age

By Yogendra Deva

In our sleepy little town, my father, an English professor in a local college, would spend hours at his rusty little typewriter weaving stories, writing letters to the editor, churning out books on critical studies on English literature for students, and much more.

Despite his age, he connected effortlessly with the younger generation, forming friendships over trivial commonalities, mainly for avoiding his peers who would keep complaining about ailments and family issues.

You could judge his positivity in his reply “no ailments or sour relationships in these stories, just pure literary bliss” to a young enthusiast who fancied his literary acumen.

His wit was infectious and attracted everyone who was tired of mundane conversations. One afternoon, surrounded by a lively group of newfound friends, he quipped, “Tired of your parents complaining about your wife? Forget it, let’s talk about the fascinating characters in my latest story instead!”

In the evenings, much like his literary idol Khushwant Singh, he would savour a well-deserved drink. As he raised his glass, he’d say, “To the power of words and the joy they bring!” His words, like his stories, had a way of spreading warmth and laughter.

His typewriter may have stopped echoing when he took to bed for the last three years of his life, lay still with his eyes still twinkling with intelligence and happiness. He never spoke to anyone, even to my mother who dedicatedly attended to all his needs, and to us the members of the joint family who kept passing by his bed the whole day. But yes, he would certainly respond to his young friends as they came visiting him.

Later, my mother, another person full of vitality, took to bed for a few months before passing away. She also never complained. She too lay still while my wife took care of all her needs.

Having seen the way my parents lived, as a seasoned senior citizen myself, I do keep up the positivity by keeping myself busy. It may be in the area of my core competence, which is Engineering Geology where I advise the infrastructure industry, or in the field of competitive Bridge, a game I love to play. I also love to sing. Besides my peers who love humming with me, the youngsters too enjoy my singing.

“A passion for life” is my mantra for living life king size; and, for an easy, relaxed life, my mantra is forgive when offended, and seek forgiveness when others feel offended.

What I have is only this moment and this mustn’t be wasted. As they say, if worrying helps, go worry yourself.

Read also: Saluting the happy memories left behind by my Dad
Cheers to the wrinkles and the stories they tell