Report of 23 Jan 2008
Hello from the B -
Hope all are well. The month sure is flying along.
The Mumbai Marathon went off well. A bunch of Banyan folks "ran" 6 km of it - ran is a bit of a euphemism. It's a fun run, sort of, and the B folks apparently danced and walked their way through it, all the while publicising the cause of mental illness. Navin's registration was not sent in (by the B - such chaos is usual here), and I was much more irritated about that than he was. (I think we can be error-free if we try.) But anyhoo, we made plans for him to run in Chennai, he finished up a tutoring session one day, changed his shoes and came down to the treadmill in the apt complex's gym. He ran the 6 km, having to pause to walk twice, and at one point gently asked if there was water available in races. Scott charged off and got him some, Naren came down to cheer and Navin finished in 44 mins. Scott Semester's church and folks mentioned last week donated lots of bucks, all of which have been turned in to the B. A wealthy benefactor had told Vandana that he'd pay her some money if she finished the run in 50 minutes, and Navin asked if the benefactor would accept Navin's time instead (fearing that Vandana might not accomplish the goal). Vandana stated that she had run earlier in 45 minutes, and was indeed to collect her bonus - but she was touched by Navin's offer.
We do take our children for granted. Their beings are slowly and surely transforming into compassionate, gentle sorts, quick and eager to help those who have nothing. We could have yelled (what "yelled"? Some of us continue to yell) ourselves hoarse about the need to do so and here are these 2 boys doing their thing, with very little desire for credit or accolades. I have said this before, and here I say it again - they will be our legacy.
As I was off for Pongal, I returned to the B after 4 days' break. Ms. V, one of our belligerent patients, the one who'd cussed at all who tried to x-ray her, greeted me effusively; she told me of eating sweet pongal (rice), saying it was tasty and "thithippu" (sweet), smiling all the while - it was immensely lovely. Then she took my hand in hers and touched it to both her eyes. It was a tremendously humbling gesture, and I stood somewhat transfixed, fairly wallowing in her generosity and good humor. She has no family that visits, no home to go to, is likely not aware that she is mentally ill - and to help take care of her is a privilege.
The lady in the next bed, Ms. SM, is feeling better. I read her file, and saw that she was chased off from the family home after her parents died, as her siblings considered her a "burden." Sometimes I think human beings' most potent weapons are our mouths - to tell a sister that she is useless, a burden, an undeserving mouth to feed, how can we then stop this woman from feeling lower than pond scum. The B appears to have done wonders for SM's self-esteem, and she smiles and laughs a lot when I visit the sick room - quite making my day.
We have the pleasure of Greg Brown's company for the next few days. He is a fellow alumnus from Uthscsa med school in San Antonio, now a second year medicine resident in Albuquerque, and a bit of an India addict. He is also great company, willing to take India (and all of us!) with all foibles, and all are enjoying his presence. He came loaded with pens, chocolate, trail mix and microwave popcorn - so, you know he is more than welcome :).
Well, I am going to wrap up and go see some pts. Hope all of you are well.
Unw -
R
Hope all are well. The month sure is flying along.
The Mumbai Marathon went off well. A bunch of Banyan folks "ran" 6 km of it - ran is a bit of a euphemism. It's a fun run, sort of, and the B folks apparently danced and walked their way through it, all the while publicising the cause of mental illness. Navin's registration was not sent in (by the B - such chaos is usual here), and I was much more irritated about that than he was. (I think we can be error-free if we try.) But anyhoo, we made plans for him to run in Chennai, he finished up a tutoring session one day, changed his shoes and came down to the treadmill in the apt complex's gym. He ran the 6 km, having to pause to walk twice, and at one point gently asked if there was water available in races. Scott charged off and got him some, Naren came down to cheer and Navin finished in 44 mins. Scott Semester's church and folks mentioned last week donated lots of bucks, all of which have been turned in to the B. A wealthy benefactor had told Vandana that he'd pay her some money if she finished the run in 50 minutes, and Navin asked if the benefactor would accept Navin's time instead (fearing that Vandana might not accomplish the goal). Vandana stated that she had run earlier in 45 minutes, and was indeed to collect her bonus - but she was touched by Navin's offer.
We do take our children for granted. Their beings are slowly and surely transforming into compassionate, gentle sorts, quick and eager to help those who have nothing. We could have yelled (what "yelled"? Some of us continue to yell) ourselves hoarse about the need to do so and here are these 2 boys doing their thing, with very little desire for credit or accolades. I have said this before, and here I say it again - they will be our legacy.
As I was off for Pongal, I returned to the B after 4 days' break. Ms. V, one of our belligerent patients, the one who'd cussed at all who tried to x-ray her, greeted me effusively; she told me of eating sweet pongal (rice), saying it was tasty and "thithippu" (sweet), smiling all the while - it was immensely lovely. Then she took my hand in hers and touched it to both her eyes. It was a tremendously humbling gesture, and I stood somewhat transfixed, fairly wallowing in her generosity and good humor. She has no family that visits, no home to go to, is likely not aware that she is mentally ill - and to help take care of her is a privilege.
The lady in the next bed, Ms. SM, is feeling better. I read her file, and saw that she was chased off from the family home after her parents died, as her siblings considered her a "burden." Sometimes I think human beings' most potent weapons are our mouths - to tell a sister that she is useless, a burden, an undeserving mouth to feed, how can we then stop this woman from feeling lower than pond scum. The B appears to have done wonders for SM's self-esteem, and she smiles and laughs a lot when I visit the sick room - quite making my day.
We have the pleasure of Greg Brown's company for the next few days. He is a fellow alumnus from Uthscsa med school in San Antonio, now a second year medicine resident in Albuquerque, and a bit of an India addict. He is also great company, willing to take India (and all of us!) with all foibles, and all are enjoying his presence. He came loaded with pens, chocolate, trail mix and microwave popcorn - so, you know he is more than welcome :).
Well, I am going to wrap up and go see some pts. Hope all of you are well.
Unw -
R
posted by Renu Weiss at
10:28 PM
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