As I walked into this quiet room yesterday, which got converted from being a garage three months ago, I felt overwhelmed by gratitude and gladness.
The three months of transition, from active clinical work to be engaged in writing and completing the three booklets was a pleasant experience.
This room is like a museum, displaying the story of ASHIRVAD, an intitiative for child development, through photographs, published books and articles and other memorabilia. The story from 1983 to 2023, of forty years unfolded, while we walked an unchartered path, to be involved with children who had developmental challenges.
What surprises me most every morning, when I have the quiet moments in the room, is the goodwill shown to us by friends from different parts of India and overseas. Even though, they were not certain of what might be the outcome of this initiative, they steadfastly supported and cared for us in this journey and stood with us. The Friends of ASHIRVAD were our companions, who affirmed the value of 'taking sides' of children, who were developmentally challenged and their families!
As we would enter the 41st year on 14 November, 2023, Anna and I have a sense of wonder and amazement of how we felt carried in this journey!
What lies before us is to bring out the three publications of the cluster of the five we planned, to be resources for parents when they are involved with their children, who have developmental challenges. The two of them are already published-Bud to Blossom, and Accompany your child.
The above view of our courtyard, garden, and the distant view of the horizon is what I see when I look out of the open door of the quiet room. I feel drawn by the wide open door of opportunities that beckon us to the little we can still do, for children and their families.
The rose plant outside the quiet room has bloomed in the last three months, with many buds. This is a symbol of hope that greets me each morning!
Another rose plant has grown with new shoots during this period!
If only we can pass on the message of this hope to people who are in touch with us!
M.C.Mathew(text an photo)d
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