Adjusting to changes

This was Delphine's bed for nine years at home  during our stay at Vellore. 

When we moved to Pondicherry, Delphine refused to use it. She would be on her chair or be under our bed at night. We tried to introduce her to her bed by simulating all the settings she was used to at Vellore. She did not comply. There were few other changes, we noticed after our move to Pondicherry. She  wanted to be near us. She was not so comfortable when visitors came in, till she was sure that we were ready to welcome them. She slept longer during the day. She was longing for us to be back from work as she was alone for 8 hours a day. She had Ragi, our house keeper, during the day when we were at Vellore. Delphine enjoyed her walks and was present to children, who wanted to play with her. She was adored by them. She showed no signs of adjustment stress in her behaviour to them.

During all these moves and changes, we did not observe irritability, indifference or snappy behavior. Delphine adjusted without any indication of change in her basic temperament. She missed something she was used to, but did not react to it.

As Anna and I go through another change and relocation, we remind ourselves that change involves adjustments. But adjust to it with ease and comfort. When we feel heavy with the pressures of change, we will remember Delphine's good example.

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)