6th Nov, 07

I was walking along Pantygwydr Road, on my way to the university. I was almost rushing as I had to reach the library earlier than my usual time and find some picture on the internet for Stevie's class. The picture or a document relating to family history. I noticed an old woman standing on the other side of the road. She was holding something on the wall. As she saw me, she called out to me. I looked at her, and pictured my grandmother. 'Could you help me reach the bottom of the road? My legs are trembling terribly' she said. I approached her and held her hands. She was shaking so much that she would have lost balance and fallen down in a few minutes time. She was slender like Dikura. Her hands and the wrinkled skin on her hand was similar to that of Dikura. Not only was I overwhelmed by compassion, but also a feeling of contentment.

'I fell on my knees; that is why. Sorry, I delayed you.'
'It's ok.' I said.
I thought, had she been my grandmother, my mother or my sister-in-law or my nephew would have been leading her. Dikura was never left unattended, until the last minute of her life.

We reached the bottom of the road but she needed to go further. I couldn't part with her as she couldn't go further on her own. We turned round the corner and started to walk along Brandygan Avenue. She didn't tell me to leave her there and go on my way. I understood, she didn't mean to be left there. I was pleased and felt fortunate that I got an opportunity to help her a little.
I didn’t ask about her family, her name or anything. I just asked her age.
'Me? I am 77 ' she said.
'I delayed you much. I'm sorry' she repeated.
'It's ok. I am not late. I will reach you where you need to.'
I was not bothered about time. I wished to lead her longer.

We turned round another corner to the right on Bernard Street and a little further ahead there was a shop. She was to reach there.
'You started your day with a good job today', she said. I nodded.
I helped her into the entrance and parted. On my way to the university I kept reflecting on my grandmother and her final days. How her body gradually weathered. How her white hair again began to turn black. How she became child like. How she often threw tantrums and demanded this and that. How life completes a full circle.