A Walk to Remember

 Harilal Sir, my neighbour, and I decided to go for a long walk, taking a road neither of us had travelled before. The place was unfamiliar, but the local people were kind enough to guide us along the way. As we continued, we stumbled upon a breathtaking view. It felt as though we were standing on a hill station—rolling hills blanketed in lush greenery stretched out before us, creating a scene of serene beauty.

As we admired the landscape, an old woman crossed our path. She was frail, her body resembling a walking skeleton, and one side of her frame was noticeably tilted. Her hand rested on her back, a clear sign she was struggling with some discomfort.

Harilal Sir greeted her and asked for the name of the place. She responded, her voice weary but kind, and Sir began a conversation with her. In her tired yet earnest tone, she started describing the area to us. Curious, Sir asked her where she was coming from, and she paused, seemingly gathering her strength before answering.

She smiled faintly and told us she was coming back from feeding the cats. Her answer caught us by surprise, and our curiosity compelled us to ask more. She explained that there was a small stream nearby where three little kittens lived. Every day, she walked to this spot to feed them.

We listened in amazement as she continued. She lived in a small house in Seemamula, about 4-5 kilometres from where we stood. It was hard to fathom how this frail old woman managed such a long walk daily. Her steps were unsteady, and she looked as though she might collapse at any moment. She introduced herself as Sushila and revealed she was 83 years old. Her life had been one of profound struggle; her husband had passed away at a young age, succumbing to cancer, leaving her to navigate life alone. She now lived in a modest rented house. Just three months ago, she had fallen and broken her back, an injury that still visibly affected her.

Despite her hardships, she spoke of the church at her place, which provided her with food and occasional financial support. When Sir asked why she walked such a long distance daily to feed the kittens, her eyes glistened with emotion. "These creatures are all I have," she said softly. "I talk to them."

She then recounted her story. One day, she had placed the kittens in a sack, hired an auto, and brought them to her home. She wanted to care for them up close, but by the next morning, they were gone. She searched everywhere, only to find them near the stream where she had found them. It was clear the kittens belonged to that place. Ever since, she had been visiting them daily, bringing food and spending time with them before walking back home.

Her tale was both heartbreaking and inspiring, and we couldn’t help but admire her resilience and the love she carried for those tiny creatures. It was a bond born of loneliness and compassion, and despite her frailty, she had made it her mission to care for them.

Hearing her story left me deeply disturbed, a silent ache weeping inside me. Here she was, 83 years old, frail and barely able to walk, yet determined to travel 4-5 kilometres every day to feed those kittens. Her love for animals was pure and unwavering. Despite her hardships, she willingly gave a portion of her meagre meals to ensure the kittens didn’t go hungry. I couldn’t help but feel immense respect for her selflessness and resilience.

Before we parted ways, Harilal Sir handed her 100 rupees, a small gesture to acknowledge her incredible spirit. She accepted it with a warm smile and thanked us before slowly continuing her journey.

That night, her story stayed with me. I found myself reflecting on how fortunate I truly am. I have food to eat three times a day, clothes to wear, a roof over my head, and supportive parents who stand by me. Yet, so often, I take these blessings for granted. Many of us complain about the taste of our food, the style of our clothes, or the comforts we lack, while there are people like Sushila who don’t have even the basics but still live with gratitude and a giving heart.

Her story taught me a valuable lesson: to count my blessings and be grateful for what I have. Instead of complaining, I realized we should open our eyes to the struggles of others and appreciate the abundance in our own lives. Life’s true wealth isn’t in material comforts but in the kindness and compassion we carry in our hearts.