JOY IS THE SIMPLEST FORM OF GRATITUDE

 



"The more grateful I am, the more beauty I see."

– Mary Davis

 

This morning, I saw two posts, from two of my favourite people…

The first one was from my surgeon friend, Dr. Sanjay Sonar. He is a super specialist in laparoscopic surgeries (Minimal invasion). Eight years ago, almost during this very Diwali time, he had performed two back-to-back surgeries on me. A cancerous tumor was, accidentally, detected on my right kidney. The kidney was surgically (with minimum cut) removed. Dr. Sonar is blessed with fine hands… and, within ten days, I was all set to get discharged from the hospital. But, during those last few days, a blood clot in my leg caused something called ‘Pulmonary Embolism’. I hadn’t heard about this condition, nor I wanted to know what it was… or how life-threatening it could be! Dr. Sonar quickly deliberated with other specialists and decided, that night, to rush me into the OT and perform another surgery… This time, he cut me open right from the chest bone to below my navel –- almost ten inches… I wasn’t in a state to question, resist, or even think. Post surgery, I was put on a ventilator… A month later, I was home…

I survived –- thanks to Dr. Sonar; and as he says, by the Grace of God…

I became acutely aware of that term –- ‘By the Grace of God – I, also, became equally aware of the other phrase -– ‘Getting a new lease of life’…

This morning, Dr. Sonar had shared a newspaper report about a surgery he and his team of doctors had lately performed on a patient’s complicated condition:



“Doctors in Mumbai have given a new lease of life to a 60-year-old man who had been experiencing severe rectal prolapse, and underwent minimally invasive surgery. His condition caused the rectum to protrude completely through the anus during bowel movements, affecting his comfort and daily life.”

I, instantaneously, left my comment on the Post:

“I know what it means when we say -- 'A new lease of life', dear doctor... You gave me that, exactly at that age -- 60!

Love, gratitude and prayers.”

I hadn’t heard about this disease named –- ‘Severe rectal collapse’…

You see, there are a million things, near and far… God has placed them in perfect order… and, you and I, have taken all of them for granted…

“Thank you doctor,” I say… and, we both say, “Thank you God.”

The other post was from my dear friend Aditi. She is a Cost and Compliances professional. Despite her successful career, she has kept herself incredibly grounded. The simplest things about life thrill her… She finds the greatest joy in them. This morning, I saw her post:



“Diwali spirit is up in amchi Mumbai. Once a week, I commute to my work place, at Nariman Point, in a 106 AC bus 🚌... It takes about 30 mins from Chembur. Today, the regulars in the bus organized Diwali party 🥳 🎉 😀

Now, these kinds of stories are utterly ordinary, unlike the critical surgery to remove a cancer-infected kidney of this 60-year-old man (eight years ago), or fix his collapsing lungs… or to fix the severe rectal collapse of another 60-year-old man…




The lease of life should be eternally ‘new’... That’s what the soul of Aditi exudes… Just take the 106 AC bus, and celebrate the spirit of Diwali…

Yes Sir, joy is the simplest form of gratitude!

 

GERALD D’CUNHA

 

Pic’s: 1. Pixabay/DanielaElenaTentis 2. Mid-day online  3. Aditi Chakraborthy

Video: elephantnews

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