In the fading twilight of our life - we realize the truth!
I am young at heart if not too young in body. I do not think morose, 'twilight of life' thoughts very often. Some things though, make me pause during my hectic life with swirling activity and take note...
This pair of green bee-eaters, sitting in quiet companionship as the evening light faded drew my attention. I was about to finish my day in the Bharatpur sanctuary when I noticed these two birds and took a picture with my Nikon P900 camera.
Bee-eaters are so common a bird that we usually turn a blind eye to them. This pair though, seemed to almost illustrate the epitome of companionship to me. Here is the Hi-res picture I took.
Sitting quietly, their feathers ruffling in the gentle, evening breeze - they looked at each other and their eyes seemed to exchange thoughts. There was not a single chirp exchanged. Looking at them, I wondered how many of us, towards the end of our life, when we are almost feeble, will have the good fortune of having such companionship.
In my personal experience, I think it matters a lot to have someone share just the silence and our presence. There are many a companionship that we go through in life but the one that matters is the one that we carry to our final phase in life.
"Mature love is composed and sustaining; a celebration of commitment, companionship, and trust" - H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
Let us take a quick look at some of the companionship that we experience and think are valuable.
Sibling companionship
One of the most trusted and loving companionship. We share a bond with our siblings that can be equated to none other. We intrinsically feel comfortable with them. When we are young, they are often the 'go to' person for all kind of support - financial, emotional or protective support.
As we grow older though, siblings drift apart. They get tied up in their own lives and family. Their family often takes precedence over us.
At the end of life, we often do not find out siblings willing or able to hold our hand... Sad but true. Isn't it?
Companionship of friends
Undoubtedly, this is the most versatile and enjoyable companionship that we experience in life. Friends come and go but the value-add they bring to our life is tremendous. They enrich the fabric of our life with gemstones of enjoyable moments spent with them. Like minded friends help us expand our horizons and give us the thrill of being able to share our likes and dislikes with someone. Friends push us to experience things that we would not have dared to experience alone. Friends share the joys and sorrows.
Alas ... when we are all long in the tooth, none of our friends will be an active and constant companion either. Our friends will have the same limitations induced due to age. They will not have the strength or means to be with us whenever they want and whenever we need them. That lovely aspect of life would fade away slowly as we ourselves approach the fade zone.
Spouse - our best companion
If we are lucky as I am, we will have the best friend, philosopher, guide and lover living right with us under our very roof. We would have experience all the ups and downs of life with our spouse and therefore, there will be no words needed to convey joy or pain. Silence will speak volumes. Her gaze, though weakened with the ravages of age, will still add spark to our day. We would not have to look far to see beauty and would not have to go very far to feel warmth.
Age is an enemy that creep up on all of us - silently but surely. We know that there is no escape. However, one person does not abandon us, even during the blitz advance of age... our companion.
I am almost Iron Man (on the inside!) but one thing or rather one person can get me all mushy - and even without batting an eyelid... my lovely companion.
I wish a that you all have a lovely companion till the end of days.
In Conclusion:
That hand you held as you walked through life - though now wrinkled and shaking like your own, will still be the firmest and kindest one in your twilight of life.
Steemians, please comment freely to share your experiences, knowledge and views about companions.Thanks.
Note: All images except for the wildlife photos and the title image created by me are from pixabay.com.
