Mother’s love
BUHUB Contest
In the entire universe mother’s unconditional love is like an unfathomable ocean that can never be measured by any scale.
It was a normal day when my mother had complains of digestive issues. She couldn’t eat anything as she had a feeling of food getting stuck somewhere along her food pipe. I along with my sister took mother to the hospital for a check up because of acidity and other related issues. Although she was on medication to for almost 10 days but still her problem persisted. When the doctor suggested endoscopy we got an appointment to get the test done.
After waiting for an hour, she was escorted to the room where the test was to be conducted. Meantime we were getting anxious hoping for a negative test report and kept praying for her good health. The thought of seeing her suffer was too much to bear. Finally we got the report that gave us the shock of our lives. A seemingly normal day turned out to be the darkest one with no escape from the harsh reality.
A feeling of being enclosed in a dark room with no escape overwhelmed us. She was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer.
The doctor who was an understanding and kind fellow asked both of us to meet him in his cabin of the hospital and made us seated comfortably. Then he started explaining the disease and told us that it was a malignant cancer at the advanced stage. We remained stuck to our seats, with teary eyes, choked throats listening to him dumbstruck. We couldn’t ask any questions as our hearts were sinking. He told us that she had only six months to live as the disease was spreading its roots speedily. The ground slipped from under our feet. It was so terrifying an experience to be described in words. Tears started rolling down my eyes, my sister showed some control though we were both broken inside.
How could it happen to her? She was our role model because of her kindness, strength and cheerful nature. Why could it happen to one who had a simple lifestyle?
What would be a life without her? Why couldn’t anyone know in the initial stage? Why was she chosen to suffer?
Why ? Why? Why?
So many questions cropped up in my mind. The whole world had become topsy turvy in the blink of an eye.
She was loosing weight quickly. The whole series of tests, appointments with doctors became the routine of the days. A tube was inserted through her nose so as to start the feeding process. Then treatment of chemotherapy started that uses drugs to kill cancerous cells to prevent them from growing. The side effects of high doses of drugs were quite painful for her weakened body.
It was a nightmare that was becoming so real and hard for us to bear. Our positivity was put under a challenging test.
My maternal aunts who were living close by would come to cheer her up by talking about funny moments from the past. We too put up a brave face in front of her and talked about general things to hide our tears which would well up when we were alone.
We tried our best to take care of her by discussing with the doctors, family, friends and surfing the web about how to give the best possible treatment available.
The surprising fact was that she had very rarely suffered from fever or cold and cough throughout her life. Then at the age of 72 she was suffering from oesophagus cancer that had blocked the natural process of taking in the food and taking her to the end by attacking her immune system.
As the sixth month was drawing closer, she became too skinny and weak to walk or sit without help. It was a time of utter helplessness and frustration.
At one point we thought she would get well like before as she started taking some food through her mouth but little did we know that it was just a deception.
She was always a supportive, caring and problem solving person. Her loud laughter resounded in the house.
She took pleasure in small things like a child. She loved rain and would get drenched in it during rainy seasons. She derived child-like pleasures from the small things.
She had an abundance of patience to hear about the stories of others who opened their hearts in front of her.
She was a comforting presence. She was much loved and respected in the neighbourhood. She always stood for the righteous cause.
On her last night, she was discharged from the hospital as she showed her strong wish to be taken to her home. That evening she knew she would not survive and told us the same. We were devastated but still clinging to the last straw of hope for some miracle which could save her.
No one can ever think of parting from the loved ones as they hold a very loving and special position in our lives.
As the destiny played its role, she left us for heavenly abode on 22 nd Jan 2012. Thus a vibrant life was laid to rest after suffering much physical and mental pain to attain peace ultimately.
Her memories are still fresh after a lapse of 12 years. She will always remain as an epitome of strength, a beacon of light, a guide, a teacher due to her pure love.
May she always rest in peace and ultimate happiness.
