Encountered strangeness today. Totally.
Met an HIV+ couple. Talked to them for over half an hour, and still trying to come to terms with their priorities and fears. In this one and often, ‘small’ world, we are living such different realities, with diverse priorities. Where I am unduly concerned about my coursework and duly concerned about the way I need to chart out my life, there is this couple, dealing with a genuine fear of ‘what after us?’
A young couple, maybe late 30’s, is wondering how to ‘ingrain’ in their children the fact that they may not be around for long. For telling them about it, time and time again, has only led to escapism on part of the kids. Being discriminated at the RT centre, on every visit, is definitely a lesser problem, than the prospective discrimination that their children may face. They are struggling every goddamn day to keep pace with life, to live life! And what life!
In the half hour conversation today, I sensed the turmoil within them. The lady mentioned the uncertainty they face with passing time, too many times! I wonder how would they have dealt with the ‘diagnosis’ initially, with the fact that their family is going to be shattered and an almost end to their normal, regular, healthy life? How would have they explained it to their children? And what would have the children understood, being barely 8-10 years old?
I agreed to help out with the kids, since thats the bare minimum that anyone can do.
And she offered to pray for me, to a God she still strangely believes in.
They left me speechless and thoughtful.
Its a crazy world and I wonder why?
P.S- but after this thought and before i posted this, Amrita told me that there is reason to cheer. I need to give hope to the couple that if they look after themselves, and take their meds regularly, with regular med check ups, 10-20 years more of life is awaiting them.
So am gonna look for some pamphlets and so will mrit, and we’r gonna give it to them for them to understand, and consult their doctor on! Mission Hope is on guys! :)
Did a quick google search...and with appropriate meds - life expectancy increases by 13 years. This was data from 2007. Will try n find more upto date stuff soon. And then there are all these other factors of how healthy they are, whether they take care of themselves or not...etc.
ReplyDeleteI'll pray for them.
:) thanks.. i dont know since wen they have the problem.. have to meet them again next sunday.give me the required info and urls by then..
ReplyDeleteand maybe ur prayers are working mrit..got a call from the school, maybe karan can be admitted. modalities to be finalised this tuesday.
No doubt life expectancy can be increased wid d newer drugs but those anti retrovirals are quite expensive ....i wonder if the couple cn afford them...for sure dey need prayers bt dey r gonna need a lot more cash as well......im certain govt. is incapable of providin such fancy meds..!
ReplyDelete