me, myself and my first blog

08.02.2005 22.25 pm

The cell phone rings and and she examines the number displayed before answering. Whats the point in not checking the number if the technology made it possible. The cell displays a 080 before the number. She answers the phone knowing pretty well it would be a wrong number, at least at this hour.

A familiar voice greets her. "Haaaiiyyeee girlie! Rxxx here!"

The respone was surprise more than anything else "Hey its great that you are back here in India now! How long will you be around?".

"Will be leaving this Sunday?" with a tinge of disappointment.

"Thats such a short trip!" She meant to ask her "Why such a short trip" but her mind raced back a similar conversation on the New years Day.

She asks,"Hey, How is your mom doing? I do hope she is getting better."

Rxxx replies, "No actually she passed away on the 25th."

"Whaaaattt????"

"Actually she had to undergo chemotherapy. She was too weak to withstand that. My father never told us anything all this while so that we do not worry too much. On 15th he apprised us of the situation and said 'Listen, there is not much that can be done'. We came as quickly as we could. She had a couple of lumps and they were removed but apparently the cancer had spread to the liver kidneys and other places. When we came down we got to see her only for a couple of hours and trust me it wasnt a pretty sight...but what can one do? My father disputed their suggestion of putting her through chemotherapy. Because she was very weak, but the doctors seemed very text-bookish and were adamant as that was the best thing they could do to give her time. I know you and Aunty very closely and on New Years when you spoke I thought I understood what you were going through...but now I really know."

An eerie kind of feeling dawned on her. Two good friends. Their mothers having similar conditions. Her thoughts were spinning too fast.

"How is uncle taking it?", she asked knowing pretty well it was a stupid question to ask as the answer was very obvious.

"Its a difficult situation for him you know. Since all of us are in Canada we decided to take him there for a while. For now my sister will be with him for a few weeks and then they would travel together. I plan to go back soon coz Vxxx(her husband) is there and couldnt get leave. We hope getting my Dad to Canada might help him cope with the situation (loss). But what can you really expect? They were married for over 30 years and no matter how hard you try the memories will keep coming back. What to do?

Why dont you come down to the US/Canada? Seriously, healthcare and all that is much better. Even your brother is there. By the way how is Aunty now?"

"She is doing well. She is responding positively to the treatment so far. Luckily she has not shown any adverse reactions or symptoms and I sure hope it goes smoothly from here."

"Me too. Do try to come over to the US. Get Aunty there too. And when you do come down please let me know. It will be nice to catch up there. All you need to do is give me a call."

"Sure. Thanks. We have a few plans and hope they'd work out. Anyways you take good care of yourself and uncle too.. and if there is any way I can be of help, you only need to let me know. Do keep in touch."

After speaking to Rxxx there were a few things she wondered. Why do people keep these sort of serious issues under wraps when loved ones stay far away. After all they do have a right to know. They would worry alright but in case of wrong kind of eventuality they would be all the more worried. The guilt would be very bitter pill to swallow. As happened with her friend, she would be left with the last few memories of her mother in pain. To see your loved ones in pain is tough enough. What would make it even more frustrating is to not be able to do anything about it. I know Uncle's intent was well-meaning but in such situations ignorance is definitely not bliss.

And secondly, there are few things in life one cannot take for granted and health ranks right up there. You can never be too sure about it and more often than not we realise its value only after it is lost. Even people who are known to be very careful have not been spared of fatal conditions. Early detection in many cases and timely treatment makes the doctors' job that much more easier.

Here's wishing you and your near/dears a healthy and happy life.

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