Anna and I continue our recollections on Dr Frank Garlick, his life and the memories of his diverse involvements to bring a healing touch in difficult situations.
Late Rev A C Oommen, the head of the Chapliancy at the Christian Medical College, Vellore once told me a moving story, about the way Frank brought a reconciling touch to the community, following a pronged strike of the employees, when some employees were made to leave the institution. When the hospital resumed the normal work after several weeks of disruption of hospital services, the wounded hospital community needed a healing touch to recover from a terrible experience, the staff went through. It was Frank who suggested that the chaplian along with the director Dr L.B.M.Joseph took the initiative to visit the staff members at home towards ushering in a friendlier atmosphere in the institution. It was this suggestion which led to meetings with the staff in groups and subsequently retreats, which helped in dissolving difference and bringing a cohesive atmosphere in the hospital. Even during the strike, Frank along with few other faculty members tried to bring a sobering atmosphere between people who had taken a polarised positions. During one conversation which I had with Frank, referring to this, he mentioned that what was needed in a conflicting situation was a forgiving and upbuilding attitude. Frank practiced this as his way of responding to difficult situations on other occasions as well.
Two doctors trained at CMC Vellore decided to start a mission hospital in a rural area for which Frank offered his support. They were well known to Frank from their student days. Frank used to make frequent visits to the hospital to help them develop their surgical skills and make that hospital a welcome place for the local people, who did not have any other health care in that region. Later a conflict arose between them over a period of time. I remember regular conversations and several visits which Frank undertook to bring a working relationships between them. Although one of then left to work elsewhere, Frank maintained cordial relationships with both families and had hoped that they would be reconciled. The thoughtful ways Frank accompanied them to restore a broken relationship was a surprise to them. One of them once mentioned to me that Frank's kindness and non-judgemental attitude helped towards accept the situation although with much grief!
Frank during his close association with a Christian organisation, came to know of the differences of opinion between the leader of the organisation and two of his colleagues. This differences came in to the open in the staff meetings and led to a disturbing atmosphere in the organisation. This led to disruption of communication between the leader and two of his colleagues. I remember Frank functioning as a bridge builder between them. His efforts prevented it from intensifying further. One of them, whom I knew personally was grateful for Frank's patient and negotiating approach, which brought some respite, although relationship did not get restored. When Frank and Val left after their term of service in India to return to Australia, he carried this situation upon his heart and stayed in touch to help them to stay connected.
There were some doctor couples who found Frank and Val as confidants when they walked though a difficult terrain in their marital relationships. Frank's listening habit and Val's loving companionship had few parallels. They heard the needs of others with their heart and felt for them. They did not take sides but took a middle path to bring hope and restoration of trustful relationship between a couple and to pursue that further.
I suspect that it was this experience of being involved with some friends who went through marital conflicts which led Frank and Val to pursue Family enrichment as a vocation in the latter years of their life.
I recall an instance when Frank and I had some differences of opinion on matters related to the way the formative process of the Evangelical Medical Fellowship of India ought to evolve. What was special about Frank was listening not arguing. After we have shared our thoughts, which had different shades of of pinion, he invited us to be quiet and reflective. This period of silence spent in quiet reflection and prayer allowed space for personal review and revision of thoughts. What was special was the permission that he would give me, although much younger to him, to share my thoughts. I knew that he would receive them and ponder over and make a choice that would be suitable for the context.
He nurtured a spirit of discernment through his spiritual exercises. One exercise he practiced was to make notes of what he heard from a person and return to read and listen within. He did not form immediate impressions or go by the first impressions, but believed in arriving at a considered opinion on matters. He was not in a hurry or haste. One fact his surgical colleagues said once to me was that even in the midst of emergencies during the operating procedure, he acted promptly but thoughtfully and originally.
I wondered how he had a rounded view of life and relationships. I once noticed a flash card in his pocket. It was during one of my visits to meet him at Chennai in 1971. I wondered why he had a flash card in his pocket often! That was when he told me that he had a Bible verse written on it, which he wanted to learn and remember during the day! It was his habit to read the verse a few times during the day and internalise and receive it to enlarge his inner spiritual fabric!
Looking back, I know of situations when Frank's opinions, on matters which needed wisdom, provided the light to proceed.
He lived his life immersed in the truths of the Scripture. Therefore following Jesus of Nazareth was a normal experience for him. He took difficult decisions, which surgeons of his time would not normally make- to leave the prospects of safe professional ascendency associated with being a senior consultant in a reputed medical school in Brisbane! Instead, he left that to come to the Christian Medical College Vellore, which made all the difference for many of us who came in contact with him!
He followed a less trodden path, because he chose to follow the way that he responded to God's movement in his life. Anna and I have observed that all the choices he made in his life arose out of consensus between Val and him! Therefore they had each other when they had to negotiate difficult and stressful times!
We remember Val and carry her and the family in our thoughts.
Anna and M C Mathew (text and photo)
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