Quarter Century Duda
The Old Duda Dilemma

Actually, Tendean's father thought as well. Why his daughter after 25 years passed instead asked him to marry. When a child says something that has never been said before, it must be a question in the heart for a father. Just as Tendean's father was wondering, why did Anaya ask him to marry again.

The unrest of Tendean's father was apparently seen by his son-in-law, so now Tama is sitting with his in-laws. Accompanying his in-laws to speak. Maybe there is a thought to be conveyed by Tendean's father.

"Why alone here, Dad?" ask Tama.

"Dad just thought of something, Tama. Why when Aya told Dad to get married just makes Dad feel anxious," he replied.

This time Tama chose silence, giving time to her father-in-law. Who knows, after this his father-in-law can go back to tell him. After all, Tama himself is also ready to listen to the story of the father.

"This father is old, Tam. What would a half-century-old man like this father do. It could be a few more years, Dad will lose his strength, declining health, and also dementia that can attack those who are old. Besides, those who are old feel closer to death, Tam."

This is the dilemma of a widower who is no longer young. Feeling diminished body strength, feeling decreased health, and also dementia or decreased brain function to remember and judge. All of these are logical conditions facing those who are already aging. The thought of a quarter-century widower is certainly different from that of a young widower.

"First, when Dad after losing his Mother Aya, Dad only had two wishes in life. First, raise Aya as best as possible and Second, work hard to send Aya to the highest education. Now that Dad's two wishes have come true, Tam. Now, when you're no longer young, it feels like you just want to age and spend time with your grandkids."

Tama who had listened to his father's story, finally gave his comments. "Try me to see from Anaya's point of view. If Tama sees it, it is a clear proof of Aya's affection for her father. As a child, Aya wanted her father to enjoy the old days with someone she loved. Crochet love together. That would be a fun activity for Dad" Tama replied.

Tendean's father listened to his son-in-law. Trying to understand what Aya was thinking. It feels good, but the Duda feels his age is so old.

There was another concern expressed by Tendean's father that he was not experienced in fostering a household. It used to be that his marriage to Desy only lasted two years, then understanding a woman was certainly never done by Tendean Father.

"Not to rush, Dad. Make sure your heart shakes when you meet him and also, there is a desire to get married again. Aya and Tama must be praying for the best for Dad. Just relax, Dad," said Tama.

Tendean's father nodded his head. "Thank you, Tama. Thanks for listening to Dad. Old widows are not like young widows whose steps are still long. Meanwhile, Dad himself has aged," he said again.

Apparently Anaya listened to the confession of the father who felt that he was aging. "Daddy is not old. Dad is still handsome even at half a century old" Anaya said.

"You could have, Ay. The signs of aging are sure as we get older. That is also what all humans will experience, including your Father," Tendean's father replied.

"Dad, don't feel that Aya no longer loves you and doesn't want to take care of you. Precisely when Aya allows Dad to remarry, it is a sign of Aya's affection for Dad. Anaya used to experience the bitterness of her life, Dad. Now, Aya can be happy by opening a new leaf. Maybe, I'm too late to open another new leaf. But love always comes at the right time, not too late. Just relax, Dad," said Aya.

"Yes, Ay .. Here's how it is, if your father will meet the right woman, who can make Dad desire to build a household, then Dad will marry again. If not, until the end of the age, Dad will be widowed," said Tendean's father.

Anaya and Tama nodded their heads. He will leave the decision in his father's hands. After all, wouldn't the universe have a way to bring two people together. Therefore, he preferred to wait for the arrangement of the Creator.