AFVOA Newletter August 2020

Section 5 - Memoirs CV 2 No. 02 / 2020 Page 90 of 237 I asked taken aback, “That is my husband’s first Regiment way back in 1956.” “We know. We have come to pay our respects and seek his blessings”. I had led them to his bed where they took his hand and placed it on their head, turn by turn. “Saabji please bless us! We are from your Regiment.”. And then suddenly something hit me. “Tell me”, I asked them “were you even born when he was in the unit ?” “No! But he is our Saabji all the same.” I burst out crying. This was something beyond loyalty and solidarity. Something I had no words for. Gratitude and appreciation overwhelmed me. This was a bond that transcended time and space. 50 AD Regiment, the Unit he had commanded, came together to help in every possible way. They called to console and remember him with affection and respect. Time lost its dimension as, fellow soldiers, separated years ago, some of them hadn't seen each other almost 40 years ago now and settled in different parts of the country, called to lend strength and courage in those traumatic moments. Many dear ones came personally to be with us and share our loss. Some, I could not even recognize, as it had been many years since I last saw them, and they looked so different now. As if in a movie, I watched scenes fade in, and fade out as memories crystalised into long forgotten events. I remember seeing them young and so full of life singing folk songs, film songs at parties and dancing to happy tunes, playing dumb charades, celebrating birthdays and promotions, and bidding adieu at farewells. They brought back to life the happy times which pierced through those bleak moments. Tears of happiness. mingled with tears of sorrow and pain. There are no words to express my gratitude to them for their support at a time when l needed it most.