Letter-4
Dear Friends,
Greetings
This is a season of flowers and fruits in our garden. Every time I walk in the garden, I feel refreshed by this annual feature in each of these trees. For about eight months, these trees remain with leaves, but at an opportune time when the temperature, humidity and other conditions favour them, they bear flowers and later fruits. The trees give away their fruits for birds of the air and for humans. The pulp of the fruits feed us and the seeds in the fruits have the potential to become saplings and trees later.
Yesterday, I heard from a family who has been to a mission Hospital in central India recently, following a serious infective condition to their child, while they were on their travel during a holiday. From the time they were in the emergency section of the hospital, the family felt cared for. They came to the hospital travelling in the midnight. The first gesture the family felt touched by, was the concern for their needs. They were provided with food and made to rest, while the child was admitted to the intensive care. Every hour or so someone would come to the room to give them some news about the child. The family did not have enough money as they were travelling. The hospital did not insist on a deposit on admission and indicated that they could pay later. Although it took more than 24 hours for the child to settle down, be free of convulsion and regain consciousness, the medical team kept meeting the family to share the news of progress.
This family had no contact with this hospital earlier and they knew none before. After seven days, when they were leaving the hospital, the hospital arranged for a pass for the family to travel through a hot spot of COVID 19. The hospital gave a contact number to go to another mission hospital on their way back home in case they needed any help. The doctor telephoned them every day to check with the progress of the child till they reached their home-town and got in touch with their regular paediatrician. This state government officer called me to say that the mission hospital he visited gave him a new experience about hospitality and care. The personal concern and thoughtfulness touched him deeply.
It was his first experience in a mission hospital. He transferred the hospital expenses to the hospital account after arriving at home in Kerala. The hospital sent him an e-mail and a get-well card for their son.
As I heard this narration I was moved. Each mission hospital is like the trees in our garden which give away its fruits freely and lavishly.
At this time, when the mission hospitals are through a difficult time due to the pressures coming upon you due to COVID 19, Anna and I want to send you our greetings, regards and wishes. May each of you be well, and receive strength and grace for each day.
Amidst the challenges and opportunities, may you experience peace and encouragement! All of you remain in our thoughts. With regards,
M.C.Mathew, 14.5.2010
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