Friendship, Grandpa’s Contact List and His Life Journey

A few weeks ago, I was organizing my grandpa’s contact list based on the surname/first name basis—it was quite messy, especially in Marathi. Both of my grandparents were preparing to leave for Hajj. In short, Hajj is considered an end trip, a time to return to God after fulfilling one’s duties to people. Although nowadays people still live on after this pilgrimage.

As I went through his list, questioning him about unfamiliar names (like, who the heck is A. B.?), I noticed teary eyes, as most of his friends were no longer alive. Despite his sharp memory, these were close friends from various phases of his life. I attempted to divert him from these emotions, but he still managed to express, “I am the last one remaining from my group.” I didn’t respond.

At 85, he has a supportive wife and children who assist him both financially and emotionally on this journey. His grandkids help him pack his bags, and friends and supporters from all walks of life come to wish him a safe journey. Where is he going again? On a religious journey. None of them may believe in this, but they still support him. His contact list had/had more than 400 entries, almost all known to him and most being close friends or colleagues.

I might not be emotionally mature enough to fully grasp its significance, but where does friendship stand, anyway? Do we genuinely care about others? Do we truly understand the essence of friendship? Just some food for thought.