She was
shivering slightly as I held her hands. Two intense eyes stared at me
expressing a mixture of surprise, shock and disbelief. I do not know how long
it has been since someone shook hands with her, or held her close. It was a
bright Friday morning and she had come to our office to collect the books,
toys, schoolbags, water bottles and geometry boxes we had bought for kids
staying in a shelter for those who have the weakest immune systems. There is a
virus in their blood stream that keeps damaging their immune system.
Her
voice was steady and calm as she spoke. “I lost my husband a few years ago. I
have two little boys for whom I live. But I do not know if I will be alive to
see them grow, for I am entering the 17th year of my life with AIDS.
I was never bold. The diagnosis is what made me so bold.” Despite her failing health, she is working
hard and doing all that she can to send those kids who number over a 100 to
school and find enough money to cater to their daily and medical needs.
The
tinted glasses I was wearing hid my wet eyes. Standing before me was life, in the form of a
mother, a woman who was fighting her way through the real tests of life, a real
life heroine. I thanked her for being there and speaking to me, wished her the
best under the sun and went back silently praying for her. But her
voice would just not leave my ears.
“This is
my life”, she said. This is every body’s life. Life never promises you
anything. It surprises you with gifts and shocks you with unexpected tests and
lessons.
Find
love, spread love, laugh to your heart’s content, cry your heart out when you
feel really sad, be yourself, express yourself, and do not be afraid, fly high.
Love,
Athma Rama...Rejoicing within :)
Love,
Athma Rama...Rejoicing within :)
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