Life Isn’t Really That Hard
Chomel, the faithful cat whose name translates to "Cute," lay lazily beside The Old Man Em Jay on the sofa. They were both catching their breath after a few hours of morning walks around the park. A half cup of warm tea and a set of tuna sandwiches lay on the coffee table. Em Jay's eyes were closed, his face calm, his chest relaxed. The brisk morning walks had helped him gauge his heart, and so far, he was confident he could leave the hospital bed to someone more in need.
When the sun's heat started to push away the comfort, he walked to the shower. The warm water soothed his muscles, washing away the exertion of the morning. Moments later, with a white cotton T-shirt on, he sat again and finished his tea. Chomel, having woken up moments ago, weaved between his legs, her body curving in sinuous arcs. Her actions spoke of both affection and expectation.
The Old Man Em Jay moved to his working desk, turned on the laptop, and leaned back, waiting. The cursor blinked. He leaned forward and moved the cursor. His blog page appeared.
Greetings to all my dear readers,
This morning began like many others, with Chomel and I heading out for our walk. The park, still cool with the remnants of dawn, was a haven of tranquility. We wandered through the paths, Chomel exploring every bush and tree with the curiosity only a cat can possess. As for me, the brisk walk was a way to test my endurance, to ensure that my heart and body remained strong.
The Old Man Em Jay paused, glancing out the window at the distant trees swaying gently in the wind. A deep breath filled his lungs with the breeze flowing thru the ajar window.
While walking, my mind was reminiscing. Contemplating. Comprehending too, I guessed.
At 65, surely lots of things happen.
Memories. Some still vividly intact and some just bits and pieces, and maybe some completely forgotten.
He leaned back in his chair, letting his eyes wander over the cozy living room. The familiar surroundings brought a sense of comfort and nostalgia.
Was it hard to reach 65? If it was hard, then life was actually hard. Is it so?
Reaching 65 with this modest life, would I say my journey was a hard one?
I did not know how others judged. But sincerely, to me, it wasn't that hard.
He leaned back. Taking a deep breath. Emptied his lung. Again. Few times. Calm face. Glanced at Chomel. Pulling himself up and walked to the kitchen. Poured a cup of tea from the tea maker. Patch Chomel's cereal and walked to desk. Bowed down at side of it, poured the cereal. Chomel which is already there, happily enjoyed it.
The Old Man Em Jay continued.
Dear readers,
Although there were lots of hard times down memory lane, there were easy or simple ones as well.
Astonishingly, now, at 65, those hard moments weren't that hard actually.
I did manage to walk over them and could laugh at them now.
Why so?
The Old Man Em Jay closed his eyes, recalling one of the hardest parts, seeing it again.
What made it so tough?
The difficulties I faced then was my broken marriage, followed by the crumbling of my little business. Losing everything. To me then, the world was closing in. Tomorrow was empty. Struggle was meaningless. Death seemed the answer.
Weeks of a miserable life followed. My ears, mind, and conscience were completely shut. Rejected all advice. I was within my own reality.
He paused, looking at Chomel as she curled up beside him, her soft purring a soothing sound in the quiet room.
Then an elder, a close relative—my own uncle—had said this:
"The problem isn't outside. It is inside. The world around is moving. Meaning, as long as we keep moving with the world, any difficulties will surely move too. Yes, it is tough. Not easy. But, when you reach my age, you will laugh at it."
The Old Man Em Jay, released a deep breath. A warm smile making that old face shining. There was a sense of satisfaction.
My dear readers,
True enough. I am now laughing at it.
The people before us—our forefathers, our parents, our elders—they had been through the path of life we are taking now.
Those teachings, sermons, guidance, wisdom, or maybe formulas weren't just phrases; they were meant to pave us a path that is less hard than theirs.
At 65, there are moments I told myself, if only I had listened more and abides more back then. Life could be much simpler.
Wishing you all the peace and joy that comes from appreciating the voices of the past
The old man Em Jay
He closed the laptop and looked around his cozy living room, feeling a sense of peace. The sun's rays were now retreating, giving way to the coolness of the approaching evening. Chomel had settled back onto the sofa, her eyes half-closed in contentment.
As The Old Man Em Jay sat back and sipped the last of his tea, he was filled with gratitude for the wisdom imparted by those who came before him. Life, with all its challenges and trials, wasn't really that hard when one carried the lessons of elders in their heart.. He smiled, feeling content and at peace with the world around him.