Transition and Relocation

This is my last week at the Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences. Anna and I move on, to live and work in the state of Kerala, mainly to support my mother, who is turning ninety years of age shortly. We will join the Medical College at Kolenchery in the second week of September, located 20 kilometers away from Ernakulum, and 15 kilometers away from my mother's home.  

During  the last two years, the department of Developmental Paediatrics and Child Neurology,  at PIMS,which functioned with the active of ASHIRVAD, welcomed about 2000 visits of children through its Child Development Centre,  Early Learning centre, Family Support Centre, and the Hall of Residence. This picture of families ready to go home after their stay of five days in the Hall of Residence, was the last of the batches we welcomed for family based child development education. 

I am grateful to my colleagues in the department, and other departments of Paediatrics, Neurology, Community Medicine, Nursing, Dietetics, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, E.N.T., Ophthalmology, Orthotics, Radiology and Medical Records, who supported our services actively. I received immense encouragement from the support team of staff in the departments of civil engineering, electrical, maintenance, house keeping, and administration. I want to acknowledge help from the offices of the Director, Medical Superintendent, General Superintendent, personnel and Finance .

Anna and I came to PIMS hoping to stay for a longer time. But that was not possible. We are grateful for this experience of having been in touch with some families, who gave us an opportunity to participate in their children's education, building their house, and caring for them during their illnesses.  To know of what other's go through in their personal lives is a sacred experience. Many who shared their stories with us, some of which I remember vividly,  have touched us and made us feel connected with a calling we carry in our hearts-taking sides. The student community at large and the faculty who met at our home weekly for fellowship and some other friends have given us many memories to cherish. There were some students who met with Anna regularly for a Bible club.All of them have touched our lives and we have grown.

We came searching for a direction and we leave gratefully for being led into the next step in this journey of living and learning.

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)