It was Daphne's look of intent and interest that drew me to look and discover the butterflies and the fruit and flower in a corner in our garden. I got used to observing the behaviour of Daphne during the morning walk and find myself surprised by the alertness of a Beagle! Although she is thirteen years old and has a lymphoproliferative condition with lumps in her body for which she needed surgery, her alertness and interest in the environment have remained intact.
She is as before smells and senses sharply! We hide biscuits in different corners and sure enough she would find them.
I felt yesterday at the end of the walk with her, that a dog is a pet but also is a companion. Every time I stop to take phots during the walk, she would pause till I am ready to resume the walk!
I happened to read a letter sent to me in 1986 from a friend enquiring about us and the child development work we were engaged with at Chennai. This friend remained in contact and visited us a few times. We still have contacts with him although he has some health related constraints.
Life is a story of formation where companions and fellow travellers brought insights and lighted the path in the journey of life.
Dr P. Zachariah, retired professor of Physiology at CMC Vellore whose wise counsel and searching questions helped us in interpreting situations while we worked at CMC, recently celebrated his ninety-fifth birthday. During every visit he left a question to ponder upon, which lead us to clarifying difficult situations.
Anna gathered all the files of letters we received from 1983. While reading through them, I felt moved that so many people supported us and carried us in their thoughts which made us feel accompanied!
We feel grateful and touched while recollecting the gifts of love and care we received thus far from a wide circle of friends !
M.C.Mathew(text and photo)
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