Today is Sun.4th.Sept.2011,and I have just returned, after visiting Debashish,who is completely bed ridden,and cannot even move a finger.And the experience has devastated me beyond my imagination.More than 6ft.tall,a wonderful human being,very soft spoken,very kind,very helpful,very God fearing, and a wonderful father to his three excellent sons,he is confined to bed,completely dependant on life support systems,and the people around him.Just one year ago,I was visiting them in Chennai,where he held a very senior position in Ashok Leyland,and the care,thoughtfulness,and gentleness shown to me,was exemplary,and will always be a treasured memory.I could never,ever imagine,that one year later,he would be in this state.Every evening,after he returned from work,he would insist, that I accompany him, to different restaurants in Chennai,enjoying the various cuisines,as that would give him the opportunity to relish the food too.So we went to Buhari's,which is a landmark there,then for authentic South Indian delicacies,Karaikudi specialities,Chettinad food,the best dosas,it was just great.And his mother,my dearest Mashima,was so thrilled about it.And today?Thankfully,Mashima left in Jan.2011,and though I was devastated,I am grateful, she didn't have to see her only son,go through this.Why God ,Why?Why does such a good man,have to face this,and why should his family suffer so much pain?I can't look at the son's,because I know whats going on,inside them,and no one can do anything to help.And his wife?Did she deserve this?
My best friend in Chennai,Shyamolie,was suddenly diagnosed with breast cancer,had to go through an emergency mastectomy,is going through chemotherapy,and her life has been turned completely topsy turvy.She has faced a lot of ups,and downs, in her life,but handled them well,and just when things were improving,she lost her husband Arun,a gem of a man,and a very dear friend.Then it was mother,and son,both happy,living their own lives,and Amit took very good care of his mother.Things were just fine.And when I was with her,last year,2010,she was happily giving me all the details,about how God has been so kind to her,inspite of her losses.And then,this.I don't have any words, to express my sorrow,and anguish,at the pain these two,and more of my friends are facing,and its the helplessness,that makes it so cruel.
Life is like a coin,when it is tossed, one has to take what comes,God doesn't give a choice, but these experiences, have made me determined, to live my life,with much more devotion,passion,dedication,hard work,and to go the extra mile,to achieve my goal,because no one knows when life will come to a full stop.So, while feeling completely defeated,and distressed at the pain around me,involving very dear ones,and every visit is an exercise in self-control,I work harder all the time,spread love all the time,because "This minute is in our hands,the next one?We do not know!"
