Chapter 9 – If Tomorrow…
You may not notice me today.
You may not hear me fully now.
But someday, you will remember.
And when you do,
I hope it makes you smile.
Times have changed.
In earlier days, age was respected.
Experience was valued.
Wisdom carried weight.
The words of elders were not ignored,
because they were forged through life itself.
Today, society often measures people by appearances, convenience, and momentary opinions. Emotions are dismissed. Voices are silenced. Judgments are passed without understanding.
In this changing world, this chapter reflects my personal experiences, reflections, and realizations about relationships, dignity, remembrance, and self-worth.
It is a quiet conversation with tomorrow.
I have felt deeply how perceptions have shifted over time.
Many explain this change through circumstances—stress, uncertainty, social pressure, or even global crises. Perhaps those factors play a role. But they cannot fully explain why compassion and patience have diminished.
I have always believed in expressing care, affection, and concern openly.
My only wish is simple:
That when someone thinks of me,
it brings a smile.
Sadly, we now live in a world where shortcomings are often hidden behind accusations. Where narratives are twisted. Where one is easily portrayed as wrong while others walk away untouched.
Even systems meant to protect fairness sometimes fall short.
Through these experiences, I learned an important lesson:
“I no longer sit at tables
where I become the topic of ridicule
after I leave.”
Life is too precious for that.
Every experience—good or painful—is meant to be absorbed, understood, and transformed into wisdom.
People of substance do not depend on constant approval.
They rely on integrity, values, and self-respect.
When someone enters your life and brings positivity, be grateful.
If they leave, be grateful too.
Because for a moment, they added light to your journey.
Life is movement.
People arrive.
People depart.
And that is natural.
With time, we reach a stage where we no longer try to convince others. We begin to rest in our own understanding. We value peace more than argument. Wisdom replaces urgency.
It may hurt when our words are overlooked.
It may pain us when our views are dismissed.
But maturity teaches us to step back gracefully.
With age, one truth becomes clear:
It is not about appearance.
It is not about possessions.
It is about who you have become.
A Poem of Continuance
Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow;
I am the diamond glints on the snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain;
I am the gentle autumn’s rain.
When you awaken in morning’s hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft star that shines at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there, I did not die.
To the younger generation, I offer this gentle reminder:
Value your parents.
Respect your elders.
Listen to their words while they are still spoken.
Their wisdom is not learned from books.
It is earned through sacrifice, struggle, and silent endurance.
Do not wait until memory replaces presence.
Love them now.
Honor them now.
Understand them now.
Because tomorrow is never guaranteed.
Let today be enough.
