After reading "Aging, gracefully” (Editorial Viewpoint, Parsiana, March 7-20, 2023), I wish to share my personal experiences.
My mother passed away in Karachi on March 8, 2023 at the age of 108. I am so grateful for the facilities at the Parsi General Hospital, albeit costly: Rs 67,000 (USD 237) alone was the monthly room rent; her personal attendants/nurse cost another Rs 60,000 (USD 212); and with medicines, and pampers, etc worked out to five-digit figures. But the facilities were available and we felt comfortable knowing our mother was safe and well cared for. Also, the visitors kept her in good cheer which, in our third floor flat, would not have been the case.
Top: Patients at Karachi’s Parsi General Hospital (above)
On her passing away, those in charge knew exactly what to provide and perform, which made us comfortable and confident. The chahrum dinner was organized over a few discussions on WhatsApp with our own club, the Karachi Parsi Institute.
My Muslim boss, who had visited my mother at the Parsi General Hospital, remarked that he never expected such an airy, clean and cheerful place for the elderly. It was then that I realized we have so much to be thankful for and that we must play our role in giving back to the community.
In the Readers’ Forum column of the same issue a letter, "The dual spirits,” made me think. I thank you for sharing this point of view. Also, the poem "The Parsi’s prayer” was delightful! So Parsi!
SUNNU GOLWALLA
Karachi, Pakistan
sunnu.golwalla@gmail.com