Love

LOVE - heard it, loved it, sung it, danced it, used it, misused it, refused it, ruined it, & what not but only at extreme rare occasions I *realized* it.
Last month while travelling to phx we had an elderly American couple sitting right behind us. Both seemed to be in 80+, quite likely in 90s too. The lady seemed little bit more in need of help physically but both couldn't sit without assistance. My attention moved to them when a nice air-hostess tried to help them beyond normal like in ensuring they sit comfortably, in checking-in their hand luggage and then trying to make as much space for them as possible. Soon after taking my seat I slept and later when I woke up, like any other Indian I didn't hesitate in overhearing conversation this couple was having. Anyhow, here is what I heard for the first & just fell for it:

Lady: I'm travelling after very long. I wonder if I'll still get scared while landing.
Man: Don't worry. When I'm with you, you don't need to worry.

Imagine an elderly man who need assistance himself say this? I couldn't stop overhearing thereafter - probably don't regret it also. Even after telling myself, this isn't the right thing to do, I just could not focus on anything else. Thereafter some conversation just touched me:

Lady: I know. I sure know. I'm not worried.
Man (took her hand in his hands): I love you.
Lady: I love you too.
Lady: Do you think XXX (someone they were going to visit most probably) will come to receive us?
Man: He (XXX) called me & most likely will come but he didn't say anything. He has young kids so if he does not, we will still have a fun trip to Arizona. You & Me will enjoy the beauty of the desert.
Lady: yes, I don't need anything when I'm with you. Let's rock in Arizona. Just You and Me!!

As an afterthought, it sounds pretty much like movies but this sure wasn't made-up. It was coming from heart. While getting down of the plane, I saw them again and prayed that God bring loads of more love in their life!!!

2009 - another year passes by

2009 for me isn't just another year passes by. It's an year that left some deep marks. It touched my intellect more than ever. I still do not know how to describe this feeling but only after losing *so* much I realized what all I possessed for years without knowing and only after touching the height of sorrow I was filled with supreme empathy. Is this is the only way we learn lessons of life? May be yes. And today looking back, only two words stayed in mind for the most this year - "Thanks & Sorry".