Mundane Stories of Loneliness
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven — Ecclesiastes 3:1
One of five siblings, a mother to three sons, grandmother to a son and two daughters, she had a large and extensive family. Her siblings and her husband were deceased, she still had doting nephews and nieces for company apart from her sons’ families.
Her youngest was overseas. A second lived in the town and visited once every few weeks. Her oldest son and his wife lived with her in her house. This son was a recluse who shied away from a conversation with anyone. His wife was a diligent teacher who supported the family with her hard work at school in the mornings while providing extra classes to students in the evenings to bolster income.
Their son, her only grandson, was a major source of companionship for her during his childhood. However, as he grew up and got involved in a variety of things, he had less time for her. Even when he was home, she found that he paid little attention to things at home as he got busier with life and external relationships. She sat by the front window, looking out over the garden at the neighborhood, watching the days go by. She was lonely.
He was a choirmaster at a school. His organ and the choir were his whole life. Through his talent and commitment to his music, he built a legacy as one of the greatest and most respected teachers the school had ever had. However, his old-age eccentricities had finally caught up with him. He was forced to retire. Although he was famous among his students all around the world, he now lived in a tiny one-roomed flat with no one to visit him. He spent his days trying to ration out his meals and keep the rats out. When he did get lost in thought he remembered the music, the chapel, the organ, and the singing. But he was lonely.
He lived with his wife. They had just got a puppy. The neighbors were not overtly friendly and far from intrusive. They rarely met anyone else apart from themselves. When everything was good, they had fun together. They both had busy work days and tough schedules, but he could make her laugh, and they had time to share and spend with their puppy. But when they quarreled, and quite often they did, they sometimes didn’t speak for hours. He was lonely.
People face loneliness in many different ways and forms, sometimes through no fault of their own. The most mundane experiences can still be devastating for those who live through them. Ironically, they should know that they are very likely, not alone in their struggle.
Share your story of loneliness.
