Reality, Sugar-coated

On a clear bright morning, I took a stroll along the streets of Bangalore. The place that is predominantly famous for the mad-rush was in its weekend slumber. Free from the bustling crowd that fights traffic during every minute of the day. A serene way to begin the day indeed!

Of the numerous posters, banners and advertisements along the pavement, there was one that caught my attention. It said,

“Garden of Eden

          -Senior citizen lifestyle and assisted living” 

It was not the concept but the irony of the language that made the banner look strange to me. Enough has been debated about the increasing number of old age shelters and an expanding number being abandoned at such places. But why deceive oneself and other by giving it such fancy terms? No matter how well it’s wordsmithed, the place can never become ‘home’- to where one belongs.

This is one instance of the many times we struggle to accept facts just as they as- as coarse as it sounds and as dreadful as it feels. The easiest alternative we thereby choose is to ignore its toughness by christening them with lighter or feel-good terms.

Reality is as sure as what it is. No matter how fast or far we run away from it, will be right behind us. Thus, instead of avoiding, why not try once to confront it by mustering all our power of acceptance? This way it becomes a one-stop point, you win or lose rather than giving up each day, every time.

Now back to the poster, to ‘assist’ is a duty and obligation. ‘To be assisted’ cannot be proportioned to love, care and comfort. In such circumstance when one forcibly tries to convince on this choice of solution, it is necessary to accept the defeat in the battle with conscious, drown the voice within and feel the firmness of crudity of the decision.

At each stage, confronting reality is more demanding than the fight against it. If we can win this, Eden of Garden is what we will build for ourselves.