SHE WOKE UP AND ASKED FOR “SOUPS”

The word, “hospital” itself scares everyone to the core. But at some point of our life, we all come face to face with this word, at least once in our life time. So did we…

In March of 1992, my husband and I heard the most terrifying news. Our precious 2 year old daughter had a tumor growing behind her right eye. A biopsy had to be done as soon as possible.

The day of the surgery, we arrived early in the morning and were assigned a room. I had packed a bag for both myself and my little girl. There was no way I was leaving her alone. As I changed her into that little hospital gown, I prayed: “Dear Lord, please watch over my little girl as they operate on her. Guide the hands of all who will be involved.”

As we waited, one by one, all those who would be a part of the surgery came in and talked to my husband and I. The surgical nurse and the anesthesiologist came in last, greeted us and then focused on our daughter Amber. We walked to the waiting area, my husband carrying her. The nurse went to make sure everything was ready. Finally, the anesthesiologist said it was time and held out his arms to our daughter. She smiled and went with him with no fuss.

Now the waiting began. Friends and family joined us during our vigil. I don’t remember exactly how long the surgery was but I do remember the nurse came out at least 4 times to keep us updated on how she was doing. She was so very kind and patient, answering any questions we had. Other nurses came around asking if we needed anything. 

Finally the nurse came out one last time to let us know that Amber was being taken to recovery. As we sat there in that quiet room, waiting for her to wake up, I was surprised to see the anesthesiologist walk in just to “check on her.” 

Within the hour, Amber woke up and asked for “soups”. And that time we realized we were now out of the soup. 

I will never forget the kindness and patience that the staff showed us on that nightmarish day. They kept our spirits up and made sure that we were as comfortable as possible. 

Incidents like this, always remind us of the God, who fits everything and everyone around us as our helps when we needed the most.

I am sure you all will have many such interesting and touchy incidents or experiences concerning hospitals in your life. My co-writers will be sharing their stories in subsequent days and if you have such hospital related stories, you can also share them all in the comment sections to encourage and motivate others.  

AN UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTER – X

She stood there, her curiosity almost getting the better of her. She took a breath and knocked on his door frame as if she just arrived.

Vansh said a quick goodbye and hung up. He stared at her for a moment. “What do you need Radha? Can’t you see I am very busy with calls?“

He was very curt with her and she stiffened her spine, glaring at him for his tone.

“I just came for the files for the Rankara account,” she snapped. How dare he speak to her in such a manner! He grabbed the file and nearly threw it at her.

“There is the file. Now leave me to my work,” he said and turned his back on her. She was tempted to hit him over the head with the file. Instead, she growled and stalked off, muttering under her breath.

Who had he been talking to and who was the “she” he referred to? Was he being forced to do something against one of the women here?

She returned to her own cabin and sat down, lost in thought. Something was going on and Vansh was right in the middle of it all.

She sighed and began her own work, her mind reeling with thoughts of the old man and his son and the phone call she overheard. The comments from happygolucky were also there in the chaos of her mind. She would need to be extra vigilant from now on not only here but at home as well. Why is she so affected by the blogger? Why does she literally connects everyone to happygolucky, her virtual friend… more of a virtual admirer she can say…!!! Her mind was not steady yet she had to work.

She worked until lunch time then went to the companies cafeteria to get some food. She looked around and saw Vansh in a corner talking to another male whom she did not recognize. Maybe a friend or relative. She dismissed them both and finished her lunch.

To me, we are always reinventing ourselves as we grow older. Some are through our own choices and others are thrust upon us unexpectedly.

FRAGILE – HANDLE WITH CARE – VIII

(Image Credit: Google Inc.)

Atul’s state of mind wasn’t right. He needed to clear his head. Telling their housekeeper he needed to step out for a while, he left the house and began to walk.

He had no particular destination in mind so when he found himself in front of his mother’s home, he was surprised. Seeing the time he knew she would be having tea. Knocking on the door the house boy confirmed his mother was in her usual spot.

She immediately set down her cup and beckoned him closer. He sat next to her, kissing her cheek.

“Something is wrong isn’t it? Tell me what has happened.”  He was reluctant at first but she knew to wait patiently. Finally he told her all that had happened thus far. When he was done she shook her head.

“Sanika loves you Atul. Just because her old flame has popped up doesn’t mean she has feelings for him even now. She is angry and hurt for how he left things. She thought he loved her enough to defy all odds to be with her. But he gave into his parents’ demands showing that he didn’t love her enough. That kind of rejection leaves a scar and makes a young girl wonder if she is worthy of any man.”

He stared at his mother in shock. How could she know this? He had grown up seeing the love and adoration his parents had for each other. She smiled softly at him, brushing his hair back from his forehead.

“She made a mistake in getting drunk and the fact she stormed away from that man tells me she is trying her best to deal with the situation. Trust her. If she calls again, do not scold her as you did before. She was hoping for your comfort and love, not you yelling at her. She may have REALLY thought she had dealt with her past. Can you only imagine how she felt when she saw him again and all that had happened came back and hit her like a hammer?” She watched him for a moment as he thought that over. Taking his hand, she smiled gently. “Try to see things from her perspective son.“

He nodded slowly. He really hadn’t listened to her when she tried to tell him what she was feeling. Instead he let his own feelings overcome him and had probably hurt her more than what she already was.

“Thank you mother. I will head home now and see if I can get a hold of her again.” He rose to his feet, kissing his mother goodbye and headed home.

Reaching home, he let himself in and went to look for his phone. He finally found it on the kitchen table and checked his messages. Of course there were none from Sanika after her call with the children.  Should he call her or wait till later? Sighing, he put his phone in his pocket and went in search of his children.

RAISED FROM THE PIT – IV

Arnab was less than pleased to come home and find a teen now residing in his house. Granted, he was much cleaner now than when he first arrived and it looked as if his hair had been trimmed as well. He was wearing clean clothing that actually fit him and a pair of new tennis shoes. The boy, Binoy was now nose deep in a book his eyes dancing over the words he was reading.

He went in search of his wife to find her in the kitchen starting dinner and seemingly talking to herself quietly. It took him a moment to realize she was praying.

Father in Heaven,
You taught us to be kind to those less fortunate than ourselves, to show them love and understanding. I see something in this young boy, something good and true. I feel you brought this boy to my attention because he asked You for help. Please guide me in this and help my husband to understand as well. Your will be done.

Arnab left the kitchen without saying a word and went into his small office. He had become so obsessed with work and succeeding at his job that he had forgotten the simple but profound truths that his parents had raised him on. “Show those less fortunate than you, love and understanding Arnab. Always be grateful for the blessing you have and, if it’s within your power to raise up even one person in life, do so with humility.”

Arunima had heard his office door close and went to let him know that dinner was ready. She braced herself for more of her husband’s displeasure but he was unusually quiet as the three of them enjoyed the simple meal she had made.

“Binoy, do you have any questions about what you read today in your history book,” she asked, the teacher in her coming out.

“No ma’am…not yet anyway,” he said with a sweet smile.

UNIQUE ONLINE FRIENDSHIP

Sits in the quiet of the room, going back in my mind to December 2015.

How do online connections happen? To me it is quite simple, God, our Creator, hears the prayers of His children and begins to move things around in our lives for us to connect to certain people. Sometimes that connection is only for that moment while others could last a lifetime.

His name came up on my Facebook profile one day, as a friend suggestion. Now, usually I ignore such things since we did not have any friends in common. But something about his picture caught my eye and I felt a strong compulsion to send a friend request without even looking over HIS profile. A day or two later he accepted my friend request. We didn’t speak right away as I was working so didn’t get online again until a few days later.

One day, we finally said hello to each other. Something in my heart sparked and I felt an instant connection. For the next few weeks we talked off and on since we were literally on opposite sides of the world. Our bond grew just a bit stronger every time we chatted. We kept the conversations light and happy but something told me deep in my heart that all was not quite as it seemed.

One morning, he came online and said his usual hello but I knew instantly something was very wrong. It took a little time but he finally opened up about what was going on in his life.

At first he was a bit uncomfortable and that is when I opened up my own heart completely. Now I don’t know how it happens but I could actually FEEL the pain and heartache he was going through. I have always been able to feel another person’s emotions and pain as my own but for it to happen with someone on the other side of the world? And over an internet connection??  How could that be??  I was a little shocked but then I saw God’s hand in it all and I smiled and said “Ok God, as you will.”

(Image Credit: Google Inc.)

As I look back over these last 2 years and 4 months, I am so very grateful to have someone like him in my life. We have cried together, prayed together, teased and picked on each other. We have helped each other get through some difficult times. He was the first one I called, after the ambulance came, the day my mom had her first seizure in May of 2016. He prayed for me and my family right in that moment and the bond between us grew even stronger. We don’t talk daily like we use to but he knows that he can reach out to me at anytime and I can do the same.

(Image Credit: Google Inc.)

The love we share seems to go beyond any other I have experienced in my 52 years of life. He and I are soulmates, not in the husband and wife sense, but as friends but even that seems like an inadequate description. Whatever this connection is, I am so very thankful that it exists.

(Image Credit: Google Inc.)

THE ROAD TO HOME – IV

The following morning, Samar woke up before the alarm went off. He took a quick shower to help revive himself then dressed for another day at the office. On his way, he picked up a strong cup of coffee along with a sweet bread. He had left a note for Harsh, wishing him luck in an interview he was scheduled for to move up in the company.

Samar finally made it to work and went through the stack of files left in his box. He worked diligently until it was time for lunch. Looking at his phone to see if there were any messages from his friend on how the interview went, he shut down his computer and locked the files away. Taking the elevator to the ground floor, he stepped out.  Umbrella in hand, he headed to a nearby cafe.

He was shown a seat inside by the window and gazed out at the people walking past, all intent on their own errands. He pulled the photo of the family out of his inner pocket and stared at it. He could feel his eyes burning but didn’t shed a tear. He wondered how is parents were, wondered if Sagar had stayed to take care of his parents. He had made some inquiries and knew that his parents still lived in the neighborhood but had moved to a different home. Ten years…ten long years of no contact.

The waitress brought him his sandwich and cup of coffee, asking if there was anything else she could get him. With a shake of his head, he began to eat but again was lost in thought. Over and over again he saw the look on Sagar’s face. The looks on his parents faces. Maybe he should try contacting them, send them a card at least. Their wedding anniversary was coming up, maybe he could send them a gift of some kind…the moment the idea popped into his head it wouldn’t let go.

He would search for their address when he got back to the office. Finishing his lunch, he paid his bill and made his way back to the office. Just as he settled back down into his seat his phone vibrated. It was a text message from Harsh. :: Interview went well.  They will call when a decision is made.  Did you have lunch ? ::

He couldn’t help the smile that showed on his face.  Leave it to him to ask that question. Harsh was worse than a mother hen at times.

Setting his phone down, he looked at  the files stacked neatly on his desk and took a deep breath. First things first.  He did a quick search of his parents names and found their current address. Writing it down carefully he placed the paper into his inner pocket along with the photo.

That done, he turned his attention to the files on the desk, working until it was time to go home.