Crossing over !

The department of Developmental Paediatrics and Child Neurology crossed over to its eight year on 14 Sept.2019 !

We gathered together around a lit candle, vase fo rose flowers, cake and cacti plants for each of us to carry home!

A lit candle, because Jesus of Nazareth, who told that, 'I am the light of the world' became a 'light unto our path and lamp unto our feet' during the last seven years! Susan reminded us during the occasion that it was Anitta, a former colleague, who designed the idea and initiated making candles in the department for the Christmas Cheer ! 

We placed a vase of flowers as a means of remembering every one who worked in the department in the past and who work now. It was a bunch of freshly cut flowers and a day old ones to bring together the idea of the older and present members of the team, still held together with a bond of trustful relationship. 

Each of us took a spotted green miniature cactus plant back with us to our table or home, as an expression of our commitment give attention to nurture ourselves to grow, while engaged in a giving role most of the time. Every time the cactus receives our attention, it shall remind us of the attention we are to offer to ourselves to grow and change into greater fullness of life!

We shared a carrot cake at the end of reading a text and prayer, to share the joy of having been here at MOSC Medical college, as a small group of people, who are on a journey to find meaning through what we become through our association with families and children who visit us. 

Who we are becoming is as much of a mission as who are we to others!

I remember three of us, Susan, Tinu and myself beginning the services for children on the first day when we began on 14th Sept. 2012. That was a start with very little direction for the future. To be here in the eight year is therefore a story of surprises and discoveries!

Personally, I have had to cross over streams and rivers to be where we are now.  Of all those challenges, a frequent reminder that the developmental Paediatrics and Child Neurology department is not an income generating facility, has been the hardest one to cope with. I would have expected the break even by the fifth year, but we might be be just there now. Inspite of generous support from Synthite industry and ASHIRVAD, we are financially fragile!

The generosity of MOSC administration has touched us time and again. Recently they provided us with a LCD projection system, a high end computer to help us to move toward digital data base! Their willingness to underwrite the deficit for the last five years was an act of affirmation that helped us to to take new initiatives.

Susan reminded us yesterday that there were eleven marriages of our colleagues in the last seven years- it meant seven departures and seven new arrivals! That did strain us, but not disturb the rhythm  of our services. Those who left were admirable people, each of whom were people of exceptional ability and devotion, whose memories stay with us, upon whose contributions we are adding on our bit! The new colleagues who came to replace integrated immensely well to this calling of 'taking sides' of children and families!

We occupy a physical space in three locations of the campus, all three in 'hidden' places where there are less movements of people. So our presence remains hidden. So also our service for most people in the campus. Is this a virtue or a self imposed work culture! This often creates a dilemma. 

This is what has been given to us as of now. We made an earnest effort to become more connected with other professionals by starting an interdepartmental fortnightly clinical meeting on child neurological disorders, but the colleague who was co-ordinating left us for further training recently. I do not know whether it would get revived! But we are launching out to get involved with St Peter's School towards creating a Childhood Activity Centre to support children who might need a different way of learning!

So we move on...! One step at a time! The cactus plant grows, but slowly! Certain medical specialties have an inherent rhythm of slowness but steadiness! Most health care administrators have a fast thinking mind set!

To be on a journey would mean momentum and pauses, both of which make the journey a rich experience, even when the destination is not in sight! 

M.C.Mathew (text and photo)