Emmanuel my son – a down syndrome child has basically been a fighter, and he has always been the winner, as I shared earlier, he has been improving remarkably well day after day listening to our affirmations, and I had tried my best to create an environment at home which is loving, accepting and conducive for him.
Emmanuel is the favorite child of all of us in the family, and he is very affectionate, loving and full of life, he loves music, and he will just start dancing if he hears good music, and he loves to listen to music and dance.
The only problem I faced was, with his respiratory infections, he was a very sensitive child, even small cold and cough will effect him badly, he is very prone for congestion in the chest, this was a real challenge for me to handle, and the most difficult part is to look at him struggle and not be able to do anything.
One day he had severe cold with cough and fever, and it was getting worse, myself and my husband tried to help him with some home remedy, took him to the pediatrician, and also took medicines for 5 days, despite that he was not getting better, as I am a working mother, it was difficult to take leave, I managed with half days, and few hours of work, going lat to the office and me and my husband took turns to look after our son.
One evening as usual I finished my work and reached home to find my son breathing differently, I saw he was struggling for his breath, I did not know what to do, my mind was disturbed, and I was frightened and shaken, I called up a CGHS doctor to find out where I can take my son, as I found him struggling for breath, she advised me to go the nearest clinic first and take the doctors advice.
I went to the regular pediatrician, and he told me immediately to take him took a nursing home otherwise he will collapse, unable to handle myself, me and my husband took him to the nearby nursing home, which was being painted, and smell of it aggravated, it was already late evening 9p.m they refuse to take admission, as they were getting the whole clinic painted, so we had to move to a bigger hospital in the city, and by then my son’s conditioned worsened, I was getting giddy, and losing my hope, regaining my strength and prayerfully I handed over my child in the ICCU.
Then began my trauma for the next 18 days of my life, my son was put on the ventilator, and every day I had to check whether he is alive, I have never faced a trauma severe than this, not even at child birth. We lost hope, and we were shattered to see our son’s condition worsening and every specialist gave his opinion about what could be the problem, the chief pediatrician felt it could be the heart, the cardiologist felt it could be the lungs and there was endless tests and lots of opinions, we just trusted God, and continued to pray.
We are grateful and happy to have our friends, relatives and well wishers who not only prayed for our son, but even supported us in various ways and there was a miracle, exactly on his second birthday on 8 December 2005 the ventilator was removed, and Emmanuel was given back to us.
This experience has not only shaken us from within, but it has also helped me to look at life closely, renew myself to live a life of gratitude… and it has also confirmed my belief that Emmanuel, which means - God is with us, and has accompanied us in our journey in life.
June 30, 2009
June 25, 2009
MONEY HAS NO MEMORY. EXPERIENCE HAS
I am thanking Genny a friend of mine for forwarding this beautiful write up, and it is so good, that I am posting it on my blog, I have not deleted a single word from this, as I found it very interesting and very true, and I am so happy to share this with all my friends: Infact I am filled with gratitude for all that I have and experience, this article has strengthened my beliefs on happiness, for happiness is a decision you make to be happy. I have made my decision to be happy, come what may, how about you. Enjoy reading this ……..
Money has no memory. Experience has. You will never know what the total cost of your education was, but for a lifetime you will recall and relive the memories of schools and colleges. Few years from now, you will forget the amount you paid to settle the hospitalization bill, but will ever cherish having saved your mother's life or the life you get to live with the just born. You won't remember the cost of your honeymoon, but to the last breath remember the experiences of the bliss of togetherness.
Good times and bad times, times of prosperity and times of poverty, times when the future looked so secure and times when you didn't know from where the tomorrow will come… life has been in one way or the other a roller-coaster ride for everyone. Beyond all that abundance and beyond all that deprivation, what remains is the memory of experiences. Sometimes the wallet was full… sometimes even the pocket was empty. There was enough and you still had reasons to frown. There wasn't enough and you still had reasons to smile.
Today, you can look back with tears of gratitude for all the times you had laughed together, and also look back with a smile at all the times you cried alone. All in all, life filled you with experiences to create a history of your own self, and you alone can remember them all.
The first time you balanced yourself on your cycle without support… The first time she said 'yes' and it was two years since you proposed… The first cry… the first steps… the first word… the first kiss… all of your child… The first gift you bought for your parents and the first gift your daughter gave you… The first award… the first public appreciation… the first stage performance… And the list is endless… Experiences, with timeless memory…
No denying that anything that's material cost money, but the fact remains the cost of the experience will be forgotten, but the experience never.
So, what if it's economic recession? Let it be, but let there not be a recession to the quality of your life. You can still take your parents, if not on a pilgrimage, at least to the local temple. You can still play with your children, if not on an international holiday, at least in the local park. It doesn't cost money to lie down or to take a loved one onto your lap. Nice time to train the employees, create leadership availability and be ready for the wonderful times when they arrive. Hey! Aspects like your health, knowledge development and spiritual growth are not economy dependent.
Time will pass… economy will revive… currency will soon be in current… and in all this; I don't want you to look back and realize you did nothing but stayed in gloom. Recession can make you lose out on money. Let it not make you lose out on experiences… If you are not happy with what you have, no matter how much more you have, you will still not be happy.
Make a statement with the way you live your life:
Money has no memory. Experience has. You will never know what the total cost of your education was, but for a lifetime you will recall and relive the memories of schools and colleges. Few years from now, you will forget the amount you paid to settle the hospitalization bill, but will ever cherish having saved your mother's life or the life you get to live with the just born. You won't remember the cost of your honeymoon, but to the last breath remember the experiences of the bliss of togetherness.
Good times and bad times, times of prosperity and times of poverty, times when the future looked so secure and times when you didn't know from where the tomorrow will come… life has been in one way or the other a roller-coaster ride for everyone. Beyond all that abundance and beyond all that deprivation, what remains is the memory of experiences. Sometimes the wallet was full… sometimes even the pocket was empty. There was enough and you still had reasons to frown. There wasn't enough and you still had reasons to smile.
Today, you can look back with tears of gratitude for all the times you had laughed together, and also look back with a smile at all the times you cried alone. All in all, life filled you with experiences to create a history of your own self, and you alone can remember them all.
The first time you balanced yourself on your cycle without support… The first time she said 'yes' and it was two years since you proposed… The first cry… the first steps… the first word… the first kiss… all of your child… The first gift you bought for your parents and the first gift your daughter gave you… The first award… the first public appreciation… the first stage performance… And the list is endless… Experiences, with timeless memory…
No denying that anything that's material cost money, but the fact remains the cost of the experience will be forgotten, but the experience never.
So, what if it's economic recession? Let it be, but let there not be a recession to the quality of your life. You can still take your parents, if not on a pilgrimage, at least to the local temple. You can still play with your children, if not on an international holiday, at least in the local park. It doesn't cost money to lie down or to take a loved one onto your lap. Nice time to train the employees, create leadership availability and be ready for the wonderful times when they arrive. Hey! Aspects like your health, knowledge development and spiritual growth are not economy dependent.
Time will pass… economy will revive… currency will soon be in current… and in all this; I don't want you to look back and realize you did nothing but stayed in gloom. Recession can make you lose out on money. Let it not make you lose out on experiences… If you are not happy with what you have, no matter how much more you have, you will still not be happy.
Make a statement with the way you live your life:
HOW I FEEL HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH HOW MUCH I HAVE.
June 20, 2009
A Tribute to my Father
My Father was a wonderful person, too little understood, and I have not spoken much or sang his praise, as often as I should. For he struggled daily to live up to his image as a protector and provider, and was the hero of our family.
He was always there for us, taking care of every situation, and ensuring that all of us are fed, clothed and sheltered well at home. If my mother was a detailed person who worked out the cost, of everything and planned the budget, my father was the financier to ensure that the home expenses are met, and there is enough money at home for everything. He worked till the end, he believed in hard work, and had great faith in God.
Thank you dad for everything and I remember you with love and gratitude.
Happy Father’s day.
He was always there for us, taking care of every situation, and ensuring that all of us are fed, clothed and sheltered well at home. If my mother was a detailed person who worked out the cost, of everything and planned the budget, my father was the financier to ensure that the home expenses are met, and there is enough money at home for everything. He worked till the end, he believed in hard work, and had great faith in God.
Thank you dad for everything and I remember you with love and gratitude.
Happy Father’s day.
June 15, 2009
Who you are speaks loudly...
One day I took my two children, Maria and Emmanuel to Infant exhibition in the city, walking up to the ticket counter, I asked, “How much does the ticket cost?”
The lady behind the counter replied, “Rs 50 for you and for children above five years. Children under five years are allowed inside free of cost. What is the age of your children?” I replied “one is 5 years old and another is 6 years old, so I needed two tickets – and I paid the money.
The lady behind the counter replied, do not worry, you can carry your son, he does not look 5 years old, and save one ticket money, nobody would know.
I said thanks for your suggestion, nobody would know, but my children will surely know that I am lying. I don’t want to teach them to lie.”
Every day in our lives, we have plenty of opportunities to choose, these are small incidents, but it has great impact, on the lives of children, many a time we forget that our children our observing us, and interpreting our actions as right or wrong. We may save some money for the time being, but may not save our children from picking up values that leads to dishonesty. I am all the time challenged by situations and children to set a good example to those who I live and work with. I am happy that I am able to make choices that makes a difference in the lives of people.
The lady behind the counter replied, “Rs 50 for you and for children above five years. Children under five years are allowed inside free of cost. What is the age of your children?” I replied “one is 5 years old and another is 6 years old, so I needed two tickets – and I paid the money.
The lady behind the counter replied, do not worry, you can carry your son, he does not look 5 years old, and save one ticket money, nobody would know.
I said thanks for your suggestion, nobody would know, but my children will surely know that I am lying. I don’t want to teach them to lie.”
Every day in our lives, we have plenty of opportunities to choose, these are small incidents, but it has great impact, on the lives of children, many a time we forget that our children our observing us, and interpreting our actions as right or wrong. We may save some money for the time being, but may not save our children from picking up values that leads to dishonesty. I am all the time challenged by situations and children to set a good example to those who I live and work with. I am happy that I am able to make choices that makes a difference in the lives of people.
June 8, 2009
Perception
An old wise man was sitting on a branch on the outskirts of a small village in Northern India. A traveler passing by approached him and asked, "Sir, how are the people in this village? I am planning to migrate from my village and settle in some good village…"
The old man asked him “How are the people in your village?"
The traveler replied," Very Selfish, rigid and cunning…….." and while he said this there was so much of negativity, and the vibration of the negative reaction was very strong, that reflected in his voice. Sensing this wise man promptly told him, " Young man, in this village also you will only find cunning, selfish and rigid people!"
A little later, another traveler was passing by. He too asked the same question to the old man. The old man asked him “How are the people in your village?" The traveler answered, ‘The people in my village are very loving, kind and generous." And while he said this there was so much of love and compassion in his eyes and tenderness in his voice that he was full of positive vibrations, and the wise old man replied back, "…then you will also find the same kind people here… loving, kind and generous………"
The world is a mirror, we see what we are, and how we perceive the world and people around is very important, The first man who spoke about the people of his village as selfish, rigid, cunning was expressing himself, and while he spoke there was so much of negativity.
Whereas the second traveler who spoke of love, kindness and generosity was also expressing himself, and while he spoke, there was so much of positive energy, no matter where we go, we will only find ourselves.
The old man asked him “How are the people in your village?"
The traveler replied," Very Selfish, rigid and cunning…….." and while he said this there was so much of negativity, and the vibration of the negative reaction was very strong, that reflected in his voice. Sensing this wise man promptly told him, " Young man, in this village also you will only find cunning, selfish and rigid people!"
A little later, another traveler was passing by. He too asked the same question to the old man. The old man asked him “How are the people in your village?" The traveler answered, ‘The people in my village are very loving, kind and generous." And while he said this there was so much of love and compassion in his eyes and tenderness in his voice that he was full of positive vibrations, and the wise old man replied back, "…then you will also find the same kind people here… loving, kind and generous………"
The world is a mirror, we see what we are, and how we perceive the world and people around is very important, The first man who spoke about the people of his village as selfish, rigid, cunning was expressing himself, and while he spoke there was so much of negativity.
Whereas the second traveler who spoke of love, kindness and generosity was also expressing himself, and while he spoke, there was so much of positive energy, no matter where we go, we will only find ourselves.
We are as we See
June 6, 2009
SECRET OF SUCCESS
A man was selling balloons at a fair in a tribal village. He had balloons of different colors. To attract the attention of people, he would release a gas filled balloon into the air. When children saw the balloon go up, they would jump with joy and rushed to buy one.
The Balloon man was busy in attracting his little customers, when he felt someone pulling his kurta. He turned around and saw a little dark tribal boy asking him, "If you release a black balloon, would that also fly high?"
For a moment the balloon man was taken aback – why is this little boy asking such a question? His eyes fell on the dark skin of the body, and in a flicker of moment, the balloon man realized the matter!
With lot of affection, he moved his hand on the head of the little boy and replied gently, "Son, it is not the color of the balloon; it is what’s inside it that makes it go up!"
So True it is not the colour of the balloon that matters, when we look at our life, ultimately it is not how we look, or what colour our skin is, or where we have come from, or status that matters, what is more important is the inner beauty that shines forth in what we believe, what we stand for the values we hold that determines our true character and success.
The Balloon man was busy in attracting his little customers, when he felt someone pulling his kurta. He turned around and saw a little dark tribal boy asking him, "If you release a black balloon, would that also fly high?"
For a moment the balloon man was taken aback – why is this little boy asking such a question? His eyes fell on the dark skin of the body, and in a flicker of moment, the balloon man realized the matter!
With lot of affection, he moved his hand on the head of the little boy and replied gently, "Son, it is not the color of the balloon; it is what’s inside it that makes it go up!"
So True it is not the colour of the balloon that matters, when we look at our life, ultimately it is not how we look, or what colour our skin is, or where we have come from, or status that matters, what is more important is the inner beauty that shines forth in what we believe, what we stand for the values we hold that determines our true character and success.
CHARACTER AND SUCCESS EMERGE FROM ONE’S HEART
June 5, 2009
Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening
This was one of my favourite peoms, I loved reading this poem as a child, especially the last few lines I never forget:
Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.
My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.
he gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.
The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
-Robert Frost
Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.
My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.
he gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.
The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
-Robert Frost
June 4, 2009
The Cracked Pot
A water bearer in India had two large pots, each hung on each end of a pole which he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it, and while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to the master's house, the cracked pot arrived only half full.
For a full two years this went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water to his master's house. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, perfect to the end for which it was made. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do.
After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream.
"I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you."
"Why?" asked the bearer. "What are you ashamed of?"
"I have been able, for these past two years, to deliver only half my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your master's house. Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work, and you don't get full value from your efforts," the pot said.
The water bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot, and in his compassion he said,
"As we return to the master's house, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path."
Indeed, as they went up the hill, the old cracked pot took notice of the sun warming the beautiful wild flowers on the side of the path, and this cheered it some. But at the end of the trail, it still felt bad because it had leaked out half its load, and so again it apologized to the bearer for its failure.
The bearer said to the pot, "Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of the path, but not on the other pot's side? That's because I have always known about your flaw, and I took advantage of it. I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back from the stream, you've watered them.
For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my master's table. Without you being just the way you are, he would not have this beauty to grace his house."
Each of us has our own unique flaws. We're all cracked pots. But if we will allow it, the God will use our flaws to grace His Father's table.
In God's great economy, nothing goes to waste!
How true, we can get so worried and carried away with our own flaws, we forget what God can do, with our flaws, the strength comes in moments of weakness, the very thing that gives us sadness is turned into joy, every time we look at our problems - right there are seeds of possiblities waiting to be released. This parable has inspired me, and is challenging me to believe that my weakness will be turned into strength, and what is giving me sorrow now will be turned into joy - and I am glad to share this with you.
For a full two years this went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water to his master's house. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, perfect to the end for which it was made. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do.
After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream.
"I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you."
"Why?" asked the bearer. "What are you ashamed of?"
"I have been able, for these past two years, to deliver only half my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your master's house. Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work, and you don't get full value from your efforts," the pot said.
The water bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot, and in his compassion he said,
"As we return to the master's house, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path."
Indeed, as they went up the hill, the old cracked pot took notice of the sun warming the beautiful wild flowers on the side of the path, and this cheered it some. But at the end of the trail, it still felt bad because it had leaked out half its load, and so again it apologized to the bearer for its failure.
The bearer said to the pot, "Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of the path, but not on the other pot's side? That's because I have always known about your flaw, and I took advantage of it. I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back from the stream, you've watered them.
For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my master's table. Without you being just the way you are, he would not have this beauty to grace his house."
Each of us has our own unique flaws. We're all cracked pots. But if we will allow it, the God will use our flaws to grace His Father's table.
In God's great economy, nothing goes to waste!
How true, we can get so worried and carried away with our own flaws, we forget what God can do, with our flaws, the strength comes in moments of weakness, the very thing that gives us sadness is turned into joy, every time we look at our problems - right there are seeds of possiblities waiting to be released. This parable has inspired me, and is challenging me to believe that my weakness will be turned into strength, and what is giving me sorrow now will be turned into joy - and I am glad to share this with you.
In HIS ECONOMY NOTHING GOES TO WASTE
June 3, 2009
DO YOU KNOW
Very often we forget how important we are, and that, there is a purpose for each one of us in our lives. Most of the time we do not think well of ourselves, and take ourselves for granted, if we want to make a difference in this world, it is very important to know our worth, appreciate who we are, and live our life with gratitude: want to know how much you are worth, then read this:
Do You Know
At least 5 people in this world love you so much they would do anything for you.
At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.
The only reason anyone may not like is because they want to be just like you.
A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you.
Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.
You mean the world to someone. If not for you, someone may not be living.
You are special and unique and unrepeatable
History can never produce another you.
Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.
Every mistake is learning, something good comes from it.
When you think the world has turned its back on you, take a look: you most likely turned your back on the world.
When you think you have no chance of getting what you want, you probably won't get it, but if you believe in yourself, probably, sooner or later, you will get it.
Always remember the compliments you received. Forget about the rude remarks.
Always tell someone how you feel about them; you will feel much better when they know.
If you have a great friend, take the time to let them know that they are great.
Do You Know
At least 5 people in this world love you so much they would do anything for you.
At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.
The only reason anyone may not like is because they want to be just like you.
A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you.
Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.
You mean the world to someone. If not for you, someone may not be living.
You are special and unique and unrepeatable
History can never produce another you.
Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.
Every mistake is learning, something good comes from it.
When you think the world has turned its back on you, take a look: you most likely turned your back on the world.
When you think you have no chance of getting what you want, you probably won't get it, but if you believe in yourself, probably, sooner or later, you will get it.
Always remember the compliments you received. Forget about the rude remarks.
Always tell someone how you feel about them; you will feel much better when they know.
If you have a great friend, take the time to let them know that they are great.
June 2, 2009
LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE
This quote below is often attributed to Nelson Mandela, but is taken from the book Return To Love. When ever I read this, I really feel motivated from within, because many times in my life I do not want others to feel low or insecure, and I end up being less than myself, this quote is a powerful statement of who were are meant to be – as I write this note, I am feeling the strength of these statements, so true as to who we are.. ….not to be…… Our identity is in God, and we are here to manifest his glory.
We are called to shine as lights and as stars, the moment we accept this for ourselves, as the saying goes we allow others to be the same. What a profound thought, and I am happy to share this with gratitude, with all my friends, May we liberate ourselves, and help others to liberate themselves.
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light not our darkness that frightens us. We ask ourselves 'who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
Marianne Williamson
We are called to shine as lights and as stars, the moment we accept this for ourselves, as the saying goes we allow others to be the same. What a profound thought, and I am happy to share this with gratitude, with all my friends, May we liberate ourselves, and help others to liberate themselves.
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light not our darkness that frightens us. We ask ourselves 'who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
Marianne Williamson
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