Damn, after 44 years- this happened

Dear Son,

I have to share a wonderful and deeply moving incident that took place when your grandparents visited us recently. I was profoundly touched by this experience, and I want to tell you all about it.

Your grandparents (Mumma’s parents) came to visit us a while ago. Your grandfather is an exceptionally educated man, a meritorious student throughout his life. He climbed the ladders of success in his banking career, earning great respect and reputation. Early in his career, before he joined a nationalized bank, he worked for a company in Madhya Pradesh, which later became a renowned name in the corporate world. During this time, he was posted in one of the cities in Madhya Pradesh and was still unmarried. Being a curious man with a thirst for knowledge, he met many people and learned from each one of them. He befriended a gentleman, and their bond grew stronger, transcending from friendship to family.

However, after a few months, your grandfather got a job in a bank and moved away to join the new organization. This event dates back to around 45 years ago. Life was simpler then, without the advanced communication methods we have today. Distance created a gap, and as life unfolded with various events, their friendship took a back seat. Both friends got busy with their lives—children were born, educated, and married. More than 40 years passed by in the blink of an eye.

Before coming to see you this time, your grandparents visited Dubai to spend time with their son and daughter-in-law (your Mamu and Maeen). Throughout all these years, your grandfather never forgot his old friend. One day, while scrolling through Facebook, he searched for his old friend. Given the changes in appearance over the past 40 years, it wasn't easy to identify a friend by name alone. However, after many attempts, he managed to trace his friend, who wasn’t very active on Facebook. He sent a message to his friend’s son, who replied quickly. A phone call from Dubai soon followed, and happiness spread. As it turned out, his friend was in Bangalore with his son. When your grandfather mentioned that he too would be coming to Bangalore to visit his daughter, their joy knew no bounds.

Once in Bangalore, your grandfather called his friend, who invited him to our house. A date was fixed, and your grandfather grew increasingly restless with anticipation. He was anxiously waiting for his friend to arrive. It was a weekday, so I was not at home, but Mumma, working from home, and your grandmother were busy instructing the cook on what to prepare to treat the guest well. They couldn’t help but chuckle at your grandfather’s anxiousness to meet his old friend after 44 years. It was indeed a rare sight.

Traveling from Whitefield to Akshay Nagar took 2 hours, a testament to Bangalore’s infamous traffic. Finally, the moment arrived—both friends met after 44 years. Though I wasn’t home, Mumma described it as a rare and touching sight. They hugged each other tightly, and the next couple of hours were filled with animated conversations and laughter. I came home after finishing my work at the office.

Words cannot describe what I witnessed that evening. I have only a few close friends, but seeing these two old friends holding hands, talking for hours, and laughing endlessly was one of the greatest moments of my life. My biggest learning from your grandparents - be happy with whatever you have and enjoy the life to the fullest and this is very much possible.

They spent a lot of time with you, playing and chatting, before leaving for Whitefield. More than a month has passed, yet I am still in awe of the grandness of that event. Your grandfather made every effort to meet his old friend over the years. During his last trip to Madhya Pradesh, he visited one shop after another to reconnect with another friend. He believed in the simplicity of friendship and did everything possible to maintain these relationships. Distance couldn’t stop him from meeting his friend. Though their bodies have weakened over the past 44 years, the spirit of life and their never-dying energy remained strong. Can anything stop such a spirit?

What a beautiful story of friendship. I am deeply moved by this gesture of enduring friendship. Would you do something similar for your friend?

Love

Papa