Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Lost Childhood

A child in his growing up years sees his father as a hero, as a savior. He hopes his father can be his best buddy as well his mentor. For most fortunate ones, their wishes come true, if not completely, partially. His father cannot be his best buddy but he still can be a good mentor. However, for the less unfortunate ones, father is a dream, a costly wish and in the later years; the father is a lost dream.

A father had everything in his life he could ask for - a loving wife and two lovely kids. But as they say; few people don't realize the value of their possessions. They seek pleasure that is either fake or not permanent. This young man of 26 years started neglecting his family gradually, company of his friends and his vice of gambling providing him more pleasure. The crack in the marital relationship was subtle in the beginning; but got the worse of it as years passed by.

The arguments grew big, verbal duel got nastier, fights erupted between the man and the woman; the house turned into a hell from where the children could find no escape. Their lives were in constant fear and anticipation of the next fight that could erupt between their parents; when is the next time they will have to miss their meal, their sleep? When will be the next time their parents blackmail them to drink "poison"? When will the next time come when their parents left them alone to fend for themselves?

Sometimes, the fights would last days; mother beaten, bruised and bleeding while the father absconding. Gradually, the children wary of the brimming turmoil; worried if they can go to school the next day in peace? Will they be able to spend an hour or two in silence instead of pleading their parents to stop. The wants of these kids were not toys or candies or clothes, their wants were peace and harmony in their life. To be able to have an innocent childhood, to have a carefree life.

What responsibility is that to be having to dispense advice to your parents at that age? Or to isolate yourself from friends to save being embarrassed? As years passed by, the scene changed; each of the parent seeking love and solace out of wedlock; that awkward moment of children having to face newer mucks.

And one day, the father left home forced out by the kids; unable to bear the sufferings; they chose the better of the worse. Life moved on; the children growing up to finish their education, finding jobs and a place in society; nurturing their own small family now; trying to heal the wounds; meeting with the father once in a while.

One of those days, at the funeral of their grandmother; the father was worried that their kids have been without food since morning. He was lamenting about it and was pursuing the kids to grab something quick to eat. The once tiny lovely girl; now a woman shot back "Did you worry about us being hungry when you were pursuing your pleasure and we were helpless kids? Now we are grown up, earn our money and know when to eat". The father was speechless and the daughter sorry that she uttered those words.

But the damage was already done; snatching away the life that rightfully belonged to the kids - long ago when they badly needed them

30 comments:

  1. What you have expressed is so true, my heart really goes to those children and those mothers who have to battle everyday in their life. The kids when they should be thinking of fun things to do are made to face such uncertainties in their lives. It is very difficult to wipe out the stain, however well places one might be. Only thing one should pray for, is that unconsciously this behavior is not carried out to the future generation too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rama,

      I have seen what happens in most cases with children is extremes. Either they feel neglected and go on a self destruction phase or they get strong and do well for themselves.

      And yes, you mentioned plight of mothers. Yes, they are victims in many cases; but in some cases they also feed fuel to such issues.

      Delete
  2. Sad indeed that one does not value what one has!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I couldn't go silent,but I don't have anything to say as well.Sure the children would have grown strongest ever.For,childhood defines...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Melange,

      You are right, not much to say here. What we need to worry about are the children. These children have the advantage of seeing the other side of life early and it prepares them for challenges which they can tackle so well

      Delete
  4. Sad. This not only steals their childhood but has sometimes a negative impact on their adult life too. Some scars never heal.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes scars never heal; but they can use it to their advantage. Everything is a learning

      Delete
  5. "In the lost childhood of Judas, Christ was betrayed".
    This is a more ominous possibility in broken homes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hmm you may be surprised to hear that these things happen in homes not broken. The man and wife stay together but bear hatred towards one another like anything. This impacts the children

      Delete
  6. I agree with every word you have said.
    What really comes out as a possible solution is ....Social Security which we seem to be not giving importance to

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hmm Chowla sir, I dont think I understood your comment

      Delete
  7. nothing much to say B. Its kinda true story that I can relate to so many friends of mine in a similar situation.

    ReplyDelete
  8. It is not an uncommon story. That is the way many unfortunate lives are led. Nothing can be done about the past. Regret will not change it. If the children who have grown into adults learn anything from it, it would be to ensure that their offspring do not suffer a similar fate...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Exactly! But the children have that moral dilemma when the time comes for them to take care of their parents who didnt take care of them :) You see the ethics and responsibility of taking care of elders.

      Delete
  9. Replies
    1. Ha ha just like that Gautam :) I thought such posts will wake you up and leave a comment on my blog. Thats why :-P

      Delete
    2. Some times I think about these thinks and I get depressed.

      Delete
  10. Replies
    1. G.S Pillai

      Thank you for dropping by and reading the post. Will look forward to your visit on my blog.
      Its fact. Have seen such unfortunate incidents happen all around.

      Delete
  11. I have seen it happen so often, Thankfully i have not been in this , But in todays modern world and in rush to be somewhere we seem to have forgotten the basic idea..

    Sad situation.. I only pray to god that I dont turn out to be such a parent
    Bikram's



    ReplyDelete
  12. It is only when you lose everything that you realize its true value.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, sometimes foolish people dont realize even then

      Delete
  13. Truly tragic and saddening! Such situations leave some deep scars which never heal!

    ReplyDelete

I'd love to know what you thought :-) Please shoot!