A sea shell, also known simply as a shell, is a hard, protective outer layer usually created by an animal that lives in the sea. The shell is part of the body of the animal, sort of a tough umbrella, and whenever the environment is hostile, the animal feels threatened or insecure, it’ll retract under that. Please note, being real is not necessary, a feel, a perception is enough, even if misconceived. Empty seashells are often found, washed up on beaches by beach combers.
Many senior humans also do behave
similarly. They carry a huge load of memories, and if they don’t find
understanding takers, they start feeling, promptly so, rejected, dejected and
unwanted. They retract into solitude. Factually, all kids overtake their
parents one day, sooner or later, and parents feel proud for it. A mission
accomplished. The other side of coin, they begin to lag, the distance keeps
getting wider with time, and very soon, they find themselves outdated,
irrelevant and dropping in the list of priorities of their own kids.
Won’t blame kids. This has been
happening since times, immemorial. It’s the darker side of human evolution, and
inevitable. It’s just practically impossible to get rid of that, completely and
those making special efforts, end up only reducing the pain, through sheer
manipulation. Seniors, on their part, retracted into the solitude, live with
their memories. Memories, the faithful, that stays familiar, still relevant, therefore
cozy and absolutely harmless.
I’m no exception. Kids are
wonderful, but I find solace in solitude. Most comfortable with myself. Don’t claim
to be God, but in my personal context, I’m no less either. I do what I do.
Relive my memories, retrospect and often make conclusive evaluations. They are
so dear to me, just like my own kids, even if not very pleasant at times. The
key question is, what do I do with them ? So hard to find takers. That’s where
the social media platform comes in handy.
I come here often and speak my
heart out. Just off loading, no expectations of anyone agreeing with me, let
alone following me. I consider myself fortunate when loads of benevolent and considerate
reactions pour in. To be honest, I don’t care, either way. I’m done with off-loading,
and relieved. It someone likes certain observations, adopts and starts
professing, the idea has found its home. The God has smiled. Else, it’s been
another day at least, well spent.