Inspired by Neelesh

Yes, I started blogging again (at 2:52 am EST, 06/10/10 to be precise) !!
An old friend from the other side of the world, just reminded me of blogs and that I should start writing again. I do have a lot of things dumped in my head/heart and I really need to keep a track of them... getting old you know; my memory is fading.
The best thing that happened to me in the last couple of months was on an Amtrak train trip. I happened to sit beside a friendly American lady. I don't exactly remember how our conversation started... probably she asked me where's the restroom. Anyways, I felt good while introducing myself, a poor "PhD" student of Chemical Engineering (and yes, I felt like a kid once again). Readers of this blog, please don't freak out at the level of details; I am just trying to keep some facts recorded, so that I can recollect the feelings (FYI, my only dream now is to be a fiction-writer someday). Oh yes, I noticed this simple yet elegant wedding ring on her frail finger too.
She introduced me to her companions (as friendly as herself) and spoke her job in the Social Security office. She had never gone to college but she had a certain sophistication and a pleasant air about her. She was on a vacation to somewhere in Florida to meet her friend's octogenarian aunt, who loves visiting casinos. She spoke about her three children and her wish to go to college someday (Obama has made education free for moms, getting back to school). Finally, we found something in common, yes! we both loving cooking in general and desserts in specific. And then, she started talking about her husband, who expired 3 years back.
Honestly, I lack the words to pen down my feelings; readers, spare me for lacking literary skills. Her loneliness, her nostalgic words still resonate in my mind... "I am lucky to have married the right man, so cheerful, so full of life, I never realized that he was unwell for the most of our married life... When he passed away, and I was signing all documents, I felt as if a part of him was taken away from me... I guess that's what happens when you are so much in love, that you become one, and you miss that other half of yours".
The next morning was pretty much silent; I wonder if it's the divinity of night that makes us mortals so romantic. But I couldn't console her, I couldn't say that everything's gonna be okay someday. Ms Norma Price was 74, married since the last 48 years.