It was more out of commitment that I dragged myself and put on my happy face and headed to St. Jude Child Care Center at Tata Memorial Hospital for Cancer treatment and research, last Sunday; not really knowing what to expect except hovering death hounded by critical illness. I had injured myself and was in deep pain and at one point, was tempted to call it off but fortunately I didn't listen to that voice inside me.
When I reached with my son to the children's ward, my pain vanished completely and I found instead, beautiful, profound lessons on how to live every moment of life. The real inspiration came from the children suffering from dreadful disease of cancer; so young, so strong willed and full of life! They were of a varied lot and the astounding thing about these kids was that other than their masks, bald heads and other obvious evident symptoms of cancer that gave away their condition, they looked and behaved normal like any other kid of their age.
One of the most endearing experiences was when a toddler sat in my lap without any hesitation; I cautiously rested my arm around him and when his warm, frail fingers gently entwined into mine, tightly, there was rush of emotions that is beyond words!
The innocence and vulnerability of children in the cancer ward was so troubling that I could not find courage to speak with the parents much. Looking at their sullen stares and burden of everyday struggle of not knowing what each day held for their apple of eye, I knew my sympathy, no matter how genuine seemed too hollow against the enormity of their pain.
There was only one question I had in my mind, why them? The children were so young that they didn't deserve to be there. They needed the comfort of their own homes, fights with siblings, play in gay abandon, which was preferable to this comfortable but impersonal place like hospitals.
It is strange how easily we forget what a precious gift life is. Looking at all the painful stories around me, I was choked. Thankfully, I met two wonderful people Mr. Agastya kapoor and his lovely wife Bindiya, the organizers of the event,I learnt about their great initiative Someone.Somewhere.; http://www.someonesomewhere.org/ that provides community service through unique events and helps out people in need.
When I saw Mr. Agastya Kapoor, talking about animation films, connecting with children with great ease, make them laugh, and engaging them in fun conversation, encouraging children to make greeting cards for Indian soldiers, I was touched. It is in moments like this, when our faith in humanity is strengthened.
I thanked Mr. Agastya Kapoor, his wife and my facebook friend Ranjit Uzgare, whom I met for first time through this event, for inviting me and left with heavy heart haunted by piercing gaze of helpless parents of children at cancer ward. The only respite was the beautiful and positive energy Mr. Agastya Kapoor had created that brought lot of smile on children's face. I took back with me a lot more than I had anticipated; the unforgettable smiles on children's face and their inspiring angelic spirit. I said a silent prayer and kept my eyes closed till we reached home and when my son told me with a lump in his throat, "mom, we have reached home." I knew he was as deeply moved and was praying too.
When I reached with my son to the children's ward, my pain vanished completely and I found instead, beautiful, profound lessons on how to live every moment of life. The real inspiration came from the children suffering from dreadful disease of cancer; so young, so strong willed and full of life! They were of a varied lot and the astounding thing about these kids was that other than their masks, bald heads and other obvious evident symptoms of cancer that gave away their condition, they looked and behaved normal like any other kid of their age.
One of the most endearing experiences was when a toddler sat in my lap without any hesitation; I cautiously rested my arm around him and when his warm, frail fingers gently entwined into mine, tightly, there was rush of emotions that is beyond words!
The innocence and vulnerability of children in the cancer ward was so troubling that I could not find courage to speak with the parents much. Looking at their sullen stares and burden of everyday struggle of not knowing what each day held for their apple of eye, I knew my sympathy, no matter how genuine seemed too hollow against the enormity of their pain.
There was only one question I had in my mind, why them? The children were so young that they didn't deserve to be there. They needed the comfort of their own homes, fights with siblings, play in gay abandon, which was preferable to this comfortable but impersonal place like hospitals.
It is strange how easily we forget what a precious gift life is. Looking at all the painful stories around me, I was choked. Thankfully, I met two wonderful people Mr. Agastya kapoor and his lovely wife Bindiya, the organizers of the event,I learnt about their great initiative Someone.Somewhere.; http://www.someonesomewhere.org/ that provides community service through unique events and helps out people in need.
When I saw Mr. Agastya Kapoor, talking about animation films, connecting with children with great ease, make them laugh, and engaging them in fun conversation, encouraging children to make greeting cards for Indian soldiers, I was touched. It is in moments like this, when our faith in humanity is strengthened.
I thanked Mr. Agastya Kapoor, his wife and my facebook friend Ranjit Uzgare, whom I met for first time through this event, for inviting me and left with heavy heart haunted by piercing gaze of helpless parents of children at cancer ward. The only respite was the beautiful and positive energy Mr. Agastya Kapoor had created that brought lot of smile on children's face. I took back with me a lot more than I had anticipated; the unforgettable smiles on children's face and their inspiring angelic spirit. I said a silent prayer and kept my eyes closed till we reached home and when my son told me with a lump in his throat, "mom, we have reached home." I knew he was as deeply moved and was praying too.
Are meri wife ka naam Bindiya hai, Shilpa nahi...jaldi change karo ;) Baaki, thank you very much.
ReplyDeleteAgastya, my sincere apology for that blunder both to you and Bindiya ....and God bless you for doing such inspiring work !
ReplyDeleteGrace...
ReplyDeleteLearned it via this article that you were hurt physically prior to this event...
Thanks a ton for dropping in...yes..do agree with you on this article...."Why these kids"...This thought does pierce ones soul deep, especially after spending time with them.
I am happy to hear that your physical pain had vanished...But yes...what you have taken along with you...is much bigger as you too know and would agree upon...
I hope your son (Sorry not mentioning his name...it may result in a blunder from my side :P [I have a short memory]) had a moment to remember for ages.
Looking forward for many more events with him and you in future...
Grace...
ReplyDeleteI learned via this article that you had physically hurt your self prior to this event. I am happy that you dropped in and wrote this out..
After reading this I once again went through that day...and yes...do agree strongly on this thought "Why these Kids". This thought pierces anyone's soul who spends time with these kids.
I hope your son(Would not mention his name out, else would be a blunder from me[I am well known for short memory:P]) had an experience that would be occupying his memory cells permanently.
Would definitely love to see him as well as you sooner....@Someone Somewhere.
Thanks Ranjeet...it was great being part of the event. There is nothing like reaching out to someone in need, no matter how small might be the gesture. Me and Kush look forward to be part of future events whenever possible. Thanks once again for introducing me to such wonderful people and their great iitiative.
ReplyDeletemy first read.. needless to say it's a very moving piece. Usually we protect our children from seeing such traumas but I feel what you did was so right. This is how we impart compassion and awareness among the younger generation who get to have the best in life from us. It was heart rending to read and see all the pictures. They actually are the real heroes. Super heroes! Kudos to Mr Agastya and his wife for making this effort.
ReplyDeleteNeedless to say a heart rending write...we usually protect our kids from such traumas but what you did was so right. They need to learn compassion and empathy at an early age. The sound of this disease itself is so frightening that I cannot comprehend what the people suffering from it and all those near and dear ones go through. The pictures are heart wrenching and beautiful at the same time. They are no doubt super heroes!
ReplyDeleteThanks Payal, I am glad you liked the article. I have been very fortunate to have a son who feels strongly about social issues and has a sensitive side. He has always accompanied me wherever I go right from early age. I make it a point to show him REAL side of life no matter how stark, lest he forget to count his blessings! The most important gifts we, as parents can give our children is to make them compassionate, honest and sensitive human beings methinks :)
ReplyDelete