We
all want to live a healthy, long life. Hence, the discomfort around death is normal. However,
somewhere I always feel that single parents are more worried about their death,
with concerns related to their kid's well-being and future if they were to pass
away. This surely leads to anxiety about the subject of death.
I
feel that for most parents, when a partner dies or separates, the foremost
thought is about bringing up the child alone. After I lost my partner 10 years
ago on this date to an accident, I struggled with lack of confidence to parent a child
alone. Also, the thought of making Maulik realise that our world was just me
and him was so earth shattering.
Through
the years, as I battled some health challenges, my obvious thought was, ‘can I afford
to die’. I mean I want to watch him graduate, get married, and have babies. I want to be around
to answer his questions about love, life, relationships, society and if he were
to ask me, even boring things like banking, investments, taxes.
I
stumbled, for a while, but eventually regained my footing. Part of
the solo parenting journey was to learn to dismiss what everyone says, get out of self pity, and friendzone the kid. Along
the way, I laid down my guard and learned to ask for help. And when I
did that, I realised that the world was a much bigger place. My immediate
family, for example, has been a finger distance away, always ready to guide,
support and offer love and care. My brother, who has always been a father
figure to M, my sis in law who has been M’s bestest buddy. Not to mention my
mom who is always there like an umbrella. There are many friends who've been there to make me feel stronger and taller. Can't thank them enough.
With this realisation that I am not alone, it became okay to believe that I can be
hit by a shooting meteor and die any moment. Death will not announce. And while
everything around started looking safe, and I was secure in my knowledge that I was doing everything in my
power not to die, I realised it was time to get my affairs in order...just in
case. Create financial cushion, do well with savings and investments, choose a
legal guardian, have all the important documents well sorted, prepare a will,
are things that can bring a measure of comfort. I am on top of this list
already.
I
also realised that once you've established a guardian, it is important to inform
him or her of your expectations for your kids, including the hopes you have for
them and the values you hold dear. I remember mumbling on the hospital bed
once, ‘If I die, don’t send M to a hostel, he has always hated that idea.’ I
have also made plans for his wedding and spoken about them. (okay that is
silly, I admit).
So my advice to all single parents would be to take the time to document your wishes along with a fool proof will. And hey, did I forget mentioning life insurance policies so that when you die, you make the child rich at least. But on a serious note, what is most important is to keep faith. The universe has a way of leading us to do the right things for our kids. The path of faith may seem steep, but it always leads us to something good and secure.