Elderly people, including celebrities, often suffer from loneliness and a sense of estrangement in their own homeland, even within their own families, who sometimes consider dividing the inheritance before the end of life. They may even begrudge them the opportunity to marry someone they love for fear of losing their possessions, without considering the legitimate happiness of these individuals. They suffer from chronic illnesses, gradual loss of abilities, abandonment by those around them, and the dimming of their once-brilliant fame that made them stand out among humans. Thus, the loss of youth and fame is like a slow death, especially for those lacking faith and self-acceptance. The denial from family and children, and the focus only on dividing the deceased’s wealth—before the person has even passed away—make approaching the end of life an extremely painful experience. It leads one to question the indifferent and insensitive surrounding environment as if it will never reach the stage of imminent death, far from peace and self-contentment.
Yet, when death is announced, everyone rushes to recount the deceased’s virtues, history, and glory, holding ceremonies and gathering family, friends, officials, and even enemies to eulogize and honor them, laying flowers on their grave!
Would it not have been more appropriate to support and accompany them, allowing them to marry whomever they wished and whenever they wanted for their happiness, instead of only thinking about their wealth, if it exists? Respect their presence and consider them as living beings who are not yet dead.
Honor the living during their lifetime and do not overindulge in glorifying the dead after their departure. Pay attention to those who have lost fame, spotlight, familial warmth, and social relationships, and who have become elderly and waiting only for their final journey, but are celebrated as towering figures after they are buried. Give them a flower and good listening during their lives instead of placing wreaths on their graves and writing poems that will never be read by the silent forever.
Salima Faraji.