Reminicences

Letters to the Editor

Title : Reminiscences

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I do not keep in mind what day it is anymore: Monday, Thursday or Sunday? It matters not in the least as I pass the threshold of retirement well and good quite sometime ago. It’s a blessing in disguise in a way: I need not dress up for the dreaded nine to five every working weekday, the downside of course is no more looking forward to the pay cheques at the end of each month. Some say that autumn is the best season of all; not a care in the world and just basking around in the golden leaves sunrise to sunset. Not quite, I beg to differ as each season of life holds it’s own beauty in my humble opinion.  The spring of education and paper chases had it’s own tabulations and wonders, the beauty of hitting the books and dreaming of careers in the belief and hope that it would bring justice in life and yield unlimited milk and honey. Spring matured into summer and working till the cows came home and also willing to sacrifice my butt off for the betterment of self and the world at large. Chasing for the right mate, partner or wife, starting a family and building one’s own castle were sufficient where other factors mattered not in the least; health, youth and vitality were top notch and the drive to multiply material wealth and a sustainable haven were the priorities. Suppose calling it a time of knight in shinning armour, would not be out of place. Now, with regard to winter, I have no experience, thus unable to comment. It is a place where all of us must go at one time or another; I think we can call it, ‘end of the road’ for this life. I would like to imagine it as a period of tranquil and peace, however, there is no one to give me the feedback as yet. Should I be able to tell in black and white for certain? If I could, I’m sure that would make me immersed in wealth and most treasured person in this world. Still no such luck I’m afraid.

Some of the guys and dolls embraced religion in heart and soul well before end of their working lives, but not me. I often did ponder why that was? Much to my dismay no clear answer till date. I have dabbled in religion and tasted it here and there, however unlike my wife who is hundred percent over the moon believer and tries her best to coax me into it. After all, as we Burmese would comment that we are in the third stage of our lives: bless her soul. Maybe I’m in the small group that has lost its way in transition, sad but there you are. While I no longer yearn for material rewards, I still wish to wonder around the world and visit those places that I only read and watched on television. I do enjoy some light reading and watching the world making their marks while passing judgments in my own head, in agreement or otherwise.

During my passage in the autumn years, I had suffered a second stroke and slowly recovering with the love, care and support of my faithful kind wife, even though frail and on in age, I could not asked for more which I am blessed with, thank God. To my mind, she is as beautiful and lovely as the day I met her, even more so today; in this stage in life, physical attractiveness does not play a role anymore, but true love overpowers me as I bask and glow in her warmness. My only son is doing well and had a fruitful spring and is riding well in his summer. An obedient and dutiful son one might say and I’m lucky in that respect. I look forward to enjoying my weekly game of golf with my peers during weekends but must be mindful of the things I eat when the recovery is full, once bitten twice shy I presume. I also want to pass on my knowledge and experience, little that maybe, to the next generation before I kick the bucket. My heart yearns for my old establishment; to be successful and riding tall, flying the flag in pole position again. Should crocodiles survive for million of years, I can see no reason why they cannot. It’s all a matter of tact.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

By/- Myo Thant