The cage sits empty today, as it did for the last four years in Ranjana’s living room. In reality, to her it was never really empty. The cage represented the cancer that had trapped her in a place she did not want to be with a set of circumstances over which she had no control. The confines of her disease defined her life and her time these last four years. Today, it’s been a month since she passed away and the cage is truly empty. The cancer ravaged her body, but her spirit roams free with no shackles or bonds.
In a strange way, I too am trapped by my grief and the images and events of the past six weeks. They play themselves out like a bad movie over and over again. I too am working to liberate myself from the confines of my own mind, so I can find peace and comfort. I know my sister is at peace and finally free. I hope I can find solace that her suffering is over, as I battle my own demons. Miss you sis.
About Hemant Rustogi