Love that abides

Parthiban, is a two year old boy, who lost his mother in a road traffic accident when he was three months old. Following this, his father left home in a state of shock and never returned. The grandfather has recently become blind in both eyes due to advanced glaucoma and is no more able to go for daily work. His grandmother had a fall and suffered a fracture in the femur  and cannot go to work as a domestic helper anymore. 

On the previous two occasions when Parthiban visited for consultation for his fits and its treatment, the grand parents were just coping with all the trauma on losing their only son and his wife.

This time, the neighbors brought him with another request, whether Parthiban can be in a foster home for a while till the grandmother can be well enough to care for him. I enquired whether the grandparents will consider all three of them to be in a shelter home for a while. Few days later, the neighbor telephoned that the family would like to bequeath their five cent property and house to the institution, in gratitude to their offer to look after them. 

On both occasions the grandparents conveyed confidence and willingness to do everything to help Parthiban to go to school and find him an occupation. Now that, they both are unwell, and has only a meagre support from old age pension from the government, their future is uncertain. 

Yet they did not complain or show anger. Instead, they were effusive with love.  The neighbor told me that it was this grandfather who used to lend small amounts of money to neighbors without interest. Now that he is not well, many refuse to return the money. When he is reminded of this, he says, 'may be they have more needs'.

Love is a gift from God to those, who are willing to become a means of His love.

M.C.Mathew