The sight in the garden when it is drizzling is an engaging visual feast! The birds continue their rhythm of the occasion undeterred by the rain. The large birds are disadvantaged as they will need longer time to dry their wings and feathers before they can resume their flight. I watched how the rose flower looked soaked in the rain but does not loose its colourfulness or exuberant look!
Anna and I received greetings on the doctor's day last week from a forty years old single woman, who first visited ASHIRVAD Child Development Centre in 1986. She had signs of a metabolic dysfunction affecting skeletal growth, leading to limitations in mobility. The enzyme replacement therapy or a bone marrow transplant was not available at that time. Her unusual playful and endearing childhood behaviour touched us so much that her visit for developmental support had a charismatic effect on all of us at the centre. Her parents continued to be in touch with us even after we relocated at CMC Vellore to start the Developmental paediatrics Unit in 1997. Since our retirement from CMC Vellore in 2018, the contacts were more on phone. She continued her interests to read, draw, make designs in computer, edit newsletters for the church she was part of, although she was wheel chair bound from the age of nine years. Her spinal deformity was beyond the scope of surgical correction as risks of complications were high. There were regular greetings we received from her on special occasions which brought immense delight to us to feel the state of her wellness amidst her limitations. Her parents became her tower of strength and made her life colourful by creating opportunities to be active with her interests.
We received a message two days ago, that she would be celebrating her fortieth birthday shortly. That created an urge within us to go to visit her sometime soon.
Although we have had other children with the same metabolic disorder, this story is different from those of others. She lives her full life bringing radiance of joy and message of hope to others. We receive messages from friends about the overflowing spirit of warm regards and affection she communicates. She lives adapting to her needs, but nurturing herself to a live a soulful life.
The birds and flower above live adapting to the adverse weather conditions.
The story of this mid lifer with a metabolic dysfunction is an equally vibrant story of being an overcomer! What an upbuilding home and parental support she would have received to be such a self giving person with faith and hope ! In her correspondence with us she would quote verses from the Bible, which too is a refreshing experience for us, because she would choose verses appropriately that were often unfamiliar to us.
The charm of her persona, the grace in her relational attitude and the abiding trust in God while living with limitations are exceptional to behold! She is a living testimony to the goodness of God appropriated in a life lived with forbearance and fortitude.
We recall our association with this unusual person and her family as a gift. We feel inspired by the vision of beyondness, with which some are given grace to live with! Hers is a mystical journey living beyond the travails in her body!
M.C.Mathew(text and photo)
Thank you for introducing us to this amazing person and sharing such a wonderful story of a life lived fully, with joy and fulfillment.
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