The above photographs of the cashew nut tree with different stages of of the fruits tell us about the process and time associated with the formation. When one notices the different stages in the tree, at one time, it points to the way the tree attends to the different stages of growth.
The soil is the home for the trees, bushes, creepers, plants and vegetables. The roots of these growing in different directions make a supporting structure to the trees and plants. The soil feeds the tress and plants and holds them upright above the soil surface. The holding power is strong enough to withstand the wind and storm. The soil feeds the trees and plants to bear flowers and Fruits.
It was while visiting a family yesterday, Anna and I got yet another glimpse of the resilience of that family to withstand the disturbing events in their life. This elderly lady needs a support system to take care of her husband who is bed ridden with cognitive limitations following a road accident five years ago. The two care givers support her. She carries on with a full time job. Her three children live overseas. Recently she bid farewell to her mother-in-law at ninety three years. With the main care giver preoccupied with her domestic pressures was not available for about three weeks now. Yet the way she narrated her story of these experiences in a reconciling way surprised us! We felt that she was alone facing an intensely demanding responsibility and yet holding on in hope and trust about better times ahead! This professor is currently involved in organising a continuing medical education workshop at the college where she works. Her enthusiasm and strength amazed us. We did not sense a complaining or a disheartening spirit in her outlook to life.
The tree in the above photo seems to be flourishing with flowers and
fruits. This friend of ours is also flourishing amidst the trying situations she faces.
Each of us has a story and experience. Who we become as we go through life is what matters at the end!
Anna and I were reflecting on our experiences in life during the recent years. Both of us live in our cottage in a village where our social support is minimum. Our domestic helpers are caring and thoughtful. We stay in touch with our children and grandchildren. We have some on line engagements with professionals related to our specialities. Both of us are well physically. We felt overwhelmed by gratefulness for the general sense of wellness we experience. I wondered if we communicate that in our conversations!
What the visit to our friend did was to open our eyes to the way she lives amidst the enduring experiences in her life! She was resilient hopeful and self-giving. She conveyed fullness of life amidst her trying experiences.
The fullness in life is an inner orientation which transcends the realities of circumstances.
The cashew tree in our garden is thriving and bearing fruits.
Is our sense of wellness reflected in our being and doing to bring encouragement to others ? We returned home with this thought!
Life is for living fully and giving graciously!
M.C.Mathew (text and photo)
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