My father’s wallet is an ugly color, not quite deep brown or light brown, but somewhere in-between,where he shoved his whole life into the folds. It isn’t leather, but a faux leather, with silver duct tape lining the edges. If you open up this torn, worn wallet, you will see a picture of my daughter on one side and his Texas driver’s license on the other.
I usually don’t seek ways to punish myself, but today, I had to open the old man’s wallet because I needed a piece of information. It is these mundane tasks that stir sadness. The driver’s license is staring me straight in the face, his birthdate, his picture, where he lived, all contained on one laminated official card. Of course, his signature appears on the license, his unique inprint on something that is ordinary. I noticed that his license hasn’t expired yet, although he has passed. It doesn’t expire until a year later, July 2011. It made me laugh, thinking of the absurdity, how time is playing a joke on all of us.
Every few years we are forced to renew our licenses, not looking forward to waiting in lines or processing our on-line payment. In Texas, you can’t exclusively renew on-line in consecutive years, you have to go in and get your picture taken. We all curse this process, the way bureaucracy creeps into our life, stealing our time so it can’t be spent on more meaningful things. It is mundane, the act of renewing a license, but it reveals so much. It is an affirmation that you are living. The alternative, is what I am doing, looking at my father’s picture on his license, wiping a tear from my eye.
Well said, Rudri. I always enjoy your wisdom 🙂
Thanks Windy. I appreciate the positive comment. See you soon.
Affirmation of living , so true yet we take it for granted not just for ourselves but even for those around us. You made me think about it , thanks.
You are welcome. Glad I gave you something to think about. And as always thanks for commenting.
Thanks for giving me the link to your blog. I’ve been reading your older entries since I got your email yesterday. You’re an amazing writer, Rudri! Your writing is captivating and really touches my heart. I’m looking forward to catching up on all the entries.
Kathy,
Thanks so much. I am glad you enjoy the posts. Miss you and the family. Hugs to all.
I love that wallet. Mine looks just bout the same sometimes, lots of receipts and pics of Nanu. Guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree huh?