The Last Goodbye I Never Got
My grandmother is one of the most beautiful memories of my childhood. When I close my eyes and think about those days, I can still see her standing beside me every morning before school. I was only five or six years old, and the world seemed much larger than it does now. Before I left for school, she would carefully dress me up, comb my hair, and tie two neat ponytails. Her hands were gentle, and she always made sure I looked my best. At that age, I did not realize how precious those moments were.
My grandmother lived a simple life. She never cared for expensive clothes or jewellery. Her simplicity was what made her beautiful. Every day she would visit the temple near our house, and many times I would accompany her. Walking beside her felt peaceful. She had a calm presence that made everyone around her feel safe and comfortable. Whenever she smiled, it felt as though all worries disappeared for a moment.
Sundays were my favourite days. My brother and I often went with her to satsang gatherings. We did not always understand everything that was being discussed there, but we loved being by her side. At night, we would sleep beside her and wait for the stories she told. Her stories were filled with brave kings, wise queens, magical animals, and distant kingdoms. As she spoke, the ordinary walls of our room seemed to disappear, and we found ourselves travelling through worlds created by her words.
Sometimes my mother, my brother, and I would go to the market with her. Even the simplest errands became special when she was with us. Looking back now, I realize that it was not the places we visited that mattered; it was her company that made those moments unforgettable.
One of the happiest parts of my childhood was the family trips we took together. We visited many beautiful places, including Agra, Mathura, Diu, and Somnath. These journeys brought our family closer and created memories that I still treasure today. My grandmother's presence made every trip special. My father was deeply attached to her and always wanted to make her happy. One of his greatest wishes was to see her travel by airplane at least once in her life. To fulfill that wish, he arranged her very first flight from Mumbai to Aurangabad. I still remember the excitement and happiness that filled our family. Seeing her experience air travel for the first time brought immense joy to my father, and that journey became one of our family's most cherished memories.
As the years passed, life slowly changed. Age began to affect her health. She developed asthma, and her eyesight became weaker. My father took her for treatment and eye surgery, hoping to make her comfortable again. There were nights when she needed oxygen support, and either my brother or I would help check her oxygen levels. Seeing her depend on medicines and machines was painful because I still remembered the strong, energetic woman who had once walked with me to the temple and told me stories before bed.
Through all of this, my father cared for her with immense love and devotion. He never complained and always tried to give her the best care possible. Watching him taught me what true love and respect for one's parents look like.
One memory that still fills me with sadness is that I was not with my grandmother when she took her last breath. I was unable to be by her side during her final moments, and I did not even get the chance to see her one last time after she had passed away. For a long time, this thought stayed with me. I wished I could have held her hand, spoken to her once more, or simply been there to say goodbye. Although I was not physically present, the love, memories, and lessons she gave me remain with me every day.
Today, many years have passed, but my grandmother remains alive in my memories. Whenever I think of kindness, patience, strength, and unconditional love, I think of her. The little girl whose hair she once braided has grown up, but the memories she created continue to stay with her forever. Though I could not say goodbye to her in the way I wanted, I carry a part of her with me wherever I go. Her stories, her values, her love, and her presence continue to guide me, reminding me that the people we love never truly leave us as long as they live in our hearts.
