Part of series of articles published in IMAX (monthly journal of IMA Rajkot) based on real life incidents-2016

(As adults,  we are always eager to teach children  but often the little ones give us beautiful lessons in unexpected ways……Sharing here a series of such incidents mostly with my own children and few from other kids as well. They have created long lasting imprints on my memory.)  

Death is just temporary!!

A cute little girl of our close friends was terminally ill with an incurable disease. She was very talkative and shared a very special bond with our children. I always worried how would be the last moments of her life and prayed for her peaceful exit from this world. I also wondered how I would disclose about her death to my kids whenever the moment came.  They were of the age and understanding, that they have not yet experienced the pain of losing a friend permanently.

The feared moment arrived and she peacefully left for the heavenly abode on the auspicious evening of Mahashivratri.  Though prepared mentally, it was too difficult to accept the harsh reality for all of us.

At night, I disclosed the sad news to my kids, trying to be as natural as possible, and asked them to pray with for her soul to rest in peace.

To my surprise the kids took it so naturally and told me not to feel sorrowful. “Death is just a temporary phenomenon” said the younger one. “Yes”, added the elder one “ Let us pray not only for her soul to rest in peace but also for her soul to return back to her parents so that we will once again play with her.”  I was just speechless and so much relieved of the burden.

And the prayers were surely answered by God. The couple today is blessed with a similar little daughter who cherishes a somewhat different look but the same soul!! (She is just as brilliant and talkative as her late sister.)

My children taught me to accept death as simply as life and that hope and faith are the essence of life.

Dr. Neema Sitapara

MD (Ped), PG Dip. (Adolescent Pediatrics)