A Beacon of Compassion and strength

Ramesh mama was like a second father to me . All through my ups and downs in life , all my medical emergencies, he held my hand and patiently guided me along . Whether it be a simple cough and cold or my Mother’s case of  Cerebral Malaria or my Mother in Law’s prolonged illness, he was always by my side. He was the “ go to” doctor for my children as well, especially Sayali. While studying in UK, she would call him whenever she had even the slightest of health problems and his word was always the last . If I didn’t call him in a week, he would call me asking me if all was okay . 

There came a sudden heartbreaking turn in my life , I lost my husband Milind . My world crumbled. At that time Mama was visiting his son Sanjeet in the USA. He called to speak with me . I can still hear his voice echoing in my mind - so gentle, so calm . I was sobbing uncontrollably and he softly advised ,  “Manju, you have to be strong, there’s no other option . You have to be there for your children and Mother in law, show your children how to face difficult times with courage , grace and dignity “. These words still inspire me everyday. 

I also battled COVID during the first wave and was terrified of getting tested as I knew quarantine would mean no one else to look after my ailing mother in law . Regular phone consults with him and blood marker tests helped me sail through . It was during the weaning phase of COVID , that I lost my mother in law. “ Hospitalisation is not an option for you “, said my Mama. “Handle her at home , though it may be tough on you “. Titration of Insulin doses and other parameters were discussed daily on Video consults , until one day , I called Mama “ Aaji is in Coma”, said I. He asked to check her pupils ,check her reflexes on video call to confirm. “ Do nothing , inform everyone and sit by her side holding her hand . Tell her you love her and she should  not to worry about you “, again said the calm and gentle voice over the phone . I sat by her side crying quietly but doing as he told. another five minutes, I called him again “ Mama, she’s struggling, what should I do ?” I whispered . His voice was steady “You have done more than enough. There’s nothing more you can do now . I sat there, heart heavy, tears flowing, knowing I had done all I could. 

On a Saturday morning, I was jolted when I read Sanjeet’s message “ Baba is sinking “, from then until the day he breathed his last, a month later , I poured in abundant Daimoku and prayed to Gajanan Maharaj to help him recover . But the universe had other plans . I am ever so grateful to God for blessing my life with a true Dev Manus- someone so noble, loving and kind. A real God Like figure in my world