I would like to share my experience of an online remembrance meeting for a 46-year-old differently abled Parsi man, the son of a close friend. The man expired on January 11, 2022 in Bombay while both his parents were in hospital. During his lifetime the parents had left no stone unturned to make their son happy; the sacrifices they made are unimaginable.
The deceased’s uncle, an ordained priest based in Delhi, along with 86 friends and relatives from various parts of the globe, including myself, participated in the online meeting on the fourth day following the demise. This was an unforgettable experience, organized by the New York based non-Parsi brother-in-law of the deceased.
Though, during his lifetime, the man had not been able to stand on his feet or utter a single word, he had conquered many more hearts than the 86 who participated in the online program in his memory. Many said he was a very jovial person while others, living far away, stated they would miss him! His father sent me a WhatsApp message which read: "More than anything, he taught us many lessons in life.”
While his parents were unwell and in the hospital, their son remained at home, cared for by domestic helpers. When he fell ill and expired, his father’s long standing friends, a non-Parsi couple, took charge of all the arrangements, including crematorium formalities and consigning his ashes to the sea.
These actions show that we should not lose faith in humanity. Let us accept that we can learn from one and all.
KERSI DHONDY
kersidhondy@yahoo.co.uk