When I noticed the small cross and
flowers for the first time besides the road, I didn’t pay much attention. Yet
another roadside accident and someone reminding others to be cautious! But then
came Valentine’s Day, and you got a red heart shaped balloon and nice bouquet
of roses. I smirked, if only people did that gesture when loved ones were
alive. Often I’ve seen people who are blessed in long-term relationship making
excuses like, “Why showoff for only one day, I love you every day and I don’t
need to make a display of my love.” Well, to be honest I am one of those
people; rather I was. But then I stumbled on you- Celeste! That Valentine’s Day,
I did stop at that yellow signal instead of speeding through it like every day-
only to read your name, to know you better. And your name was embossed on that
cross, surrounded by beautiful roses and a heart shaped balloon. That day I stopped
by at the grocery store and bought red balloons for my kids, a card for my
husband and a box of chocolates for me- in case he forgot to get me anything
(which he did!). It was a big surprise for everyone at home and was well
received!
As days passed by it became a game
for me to notice what sort of gifts you were receiving. With seasonal changes
color of your bouquet kept changing. You got a pinwheel when spring rolled in;
to remind me to stop and sniff the sweet smell of new life around me. You even
got green clover for St. Patrick ’s Day. And I started thinking about you… how
was your life? Who loved you so much that they made an attempt to celebrate
everything with you even after you…? I even tried googling you; what could have
happened to you? One faintest trace revealed that at that same intersection
there was a fatal accident almost a decade ago. There were not many details or
not even mention of your name. But I knew that must have been you. Celeste,
unknowingly I’ve learnt so much about you. You really loved flowers of all
colors, all shapes. Your birthday is in May and you were quite religious
person. Or am I talking about the person who loves you so much?
One thing is clear that you have
taught me how to love, rather how to express love when I still have time to do
so. Few years back I had a nanny who used to say “I love you honey” while
hanging up the phone with her grown up kids/husband/mom & so on to all of
her family members. I told her it was a sweet gesture and she replied, “Yeah, I
wouldn’t know when it will be the last time I would say love you; so I make
sure that I remind them every given chance!” And I
am like, “What a depressing thought!” But looking at Celeste reminded me that
it’s life. Harsh and cold on my face; every day every turn. When I hear about
calamities around us- someone getting a divorce, someone losing a job which was
his only identity, about terrorist attacks, someone losing a grip on the rock
while trekking or worse someone disappearing from the life forever like
Celeste! It gives me a jolt of reality- life in unpredictable.
Even if life is unpredictable and
we cannot control it, I keep on reminding myself- “This is it! This is the only
life and should be lived to the fullest- with no regrets!!” Thanks Celeste for
teaching me love, compassion and living life fully. Thanks for reminding me the
quote- “Live every moment as if there is no tomorrow and dream so big as if you’ll
live forever!”
