Of clocks & compasses, inheritance & heritage

THIS past week I learnt about the passing of a friend's father.

It's sad for many reasons, but here are a few to enumerate: First, the loss of one's parents brings into sharp focus the finality in a relationship that connects one's genesis and introduction into the world. It gives pause for thought on the issue of one's own mortality - a certainty in an otherwise uncertain world.

Secondly, the values and life lessons, which our parents have imparted to us in our growing up years, are suddenly thrust into the realm of memories, where it's no longer possible to revisit issues and initiate conversations that were never had: questions that we may have always wanted to ask our parents or issues that we did not spend sufficient time and effort (if any at all) to resolve, are pushed into the hypothetical realm of "what if" or "if only". These often result in "regrets".