THE FIG TREE

Samy, a friend I haven’t seen for a long time. We talk, time slips on us, the sun passes, and we stay in the same place to chat. We talk about our childhood, school, life, and our families. Then comes the moment when he reminds me of the loss of a loved one.

Me: Human being is immortal

Samy: Are we going to die one day?

Me: So yes and no…actually no!

Samy: How so?

Me: This fear added to others will always prevent you from acting. The age-old question: why do this after all? Followed by the famous and ridiculous, in all aspects of the equally famous: we’re all going to die anyway!
So physically yes if we disregard the soul;
Do you remember the people you “lost”?

Samy: Well yes

Me: So you remember:
1 you haven’t really lost them
2 They have become eternal.

Samy: How?

Me: Through your words, the things you do for them, their teachings (immaterial certainly, but materialized by your actions). Even dead, they still act and others will do the same with you.
Even dead, you will always act.

When I tell you, we’re immortal, do you believe me now?

Samy: Well…

Me: You’re hesitant, so you partially agree (I’ll convince the other party).
You plant a tree today, a fig tree for example. Who will live the most?
You or the fig tree?

Samy: It’s a tree, it lives a long time. Wait, uh, how long does a fig tree live?

Me: 300 years

others will be able to observe for centuries what you have planted.

Samy: 300!!!!!!!!?????

Me: yes 300 years

Samy: 300???? 3 centuries? A fig tree planted in 1800 may still be there?

Me: I do. Good attention, it does not resist an atomic bomb either.
A tree that can withstand temperatures down to -17°.
It provides fruit and shelter for humans and animals
This fig tree or these fig trees that you will have planted will be constantly there and will play their natural roles. Do you really think that, physically, you won’t be here anymore?

Samy: So yes and no. I understand the idea of ​​the fig tree.

Me: It’s a tree, not an idea. I am teasing you
When you leave, it is painful as much for you and more for those who remain.
Mourning. It is indeed painful. Why is it painful? They no longer see you at first, but feel your presence and re-listen internally to your words, your laughter. They still visualize you as elegant, more even.

Samy: It hurts. When I lost my mother, I thought I was going to die in the hospital. The world has collapsed.

Me: Did he actually collapse?

Samy: No! But why this feeling.

Me: The one who carried and loved you, nourishes, it’s a world that is collapsing, but here again, we put things into perspective. By giving birth to you, she gave birth to your world and those of your descendants. What do you remember with your mother?

Samy: Everything, even the smallest word, her smell, her hair, her voice. His voice still resonates with me. Her scent, her eyes, her beauty: my beautiful mom.

Me: Is she really gone?

Samy: Yes and no, actually. I talk with her. She lives through me.

Me: You got it all figured out. A soul is immortal. One of us will put the other on the ground. That day, promise me you’ll remember that conversation. I will wait for you on the other side.

You who read us: How many fig trees have you planted?

In Memory of my father and mother who planted many fig trees.

Abdelhamid NIATI (your beloved son)
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