If there is one thing we can predict about this life, it is its unpredictability. It was only last week that from my home office window, I looked out and admired the rigid regime of my healthy 85 year old father, as he walked up and down the driveway.
Yesterday, he got diagnosed with brain hemorrhage. With the Christmas season being just around the corner, I had it all chalked out. A solid plan for everything that had to be done and finished before December 15, so we could all be fully present for the holidays.
With one medical appointment that led to an emergency room then to a hospital and now the unknown things are, well, a little different. Is this sad? Yes, at so many levels it is. To see someone you love, someone who gave you life, nurtured and guided you to the best of their ability and was determined to be physically independent become helpless and bedridden overnight, is painful. And to see my mother who’s face has forever resonated strength and grit seem defeated, is painful.
But really, was this moment and this pain so unpredictable? Was I so naive to think that this day would never come? No, I was just hopeful it wouldn’t come so soon.
Today as everything came to a stand still I had a heart to heart with my soul. We are best friends you see, my soul and I. With its profound wisdom and unwavering strength it always seems to guide me in the right direction. Like a loyal friend it uplifts and empowers me to seek and find the real beauty of life as it unfolds before my eyes.
Today was no different. Together we acknowledged and cherished all that truly touched us both to the very core. Tears rolled down my eyes as I remembered the compassion of the strangers; efficiency of the medical system; strength of my soulmate; hugs and messages from my children; the family coming together; the phone calls across the seas; humour and stories that lightened the mood; peace on my distraught father’s face as I gently touched his forehead. This was life unfolding in its purest essence.
Yes, we may think life is laughter, happiness and all else we seek but truly life is about stealing moments from its ups and downs to hold in our hearts forever and always.
With Love and gratitude,
Devinder 💖
Photo credit: Ravi Roshan – Unsplash
18 Comments
Karry
Sending you hugs 🤗 I’ve been through the same thing few years ago with my dad. I’m praying to god to give you and your family strength to deal with this tough time. Hang in there🤗❤️❤️
Devinder Maan
Thank you Karry for your kind words and for stopping by. He is doing much better now. Lots of love.
Maninder Grewal
Very well penned down your feelings and emotions Devinder. Seize the moment what it is. The very predictable indeed becomes unpredictable or is it that we do not want this time to ever come.
Your father has given you strength and I am sure he will pull through this period with all the strength he has. We wish him a speedy recovery and be with you all soon at home for the Christmas festivities.
Lots of love – Maninder
Devinder Maan
Thank you Maninder for your love and kind words. He sure is a strong being and he never fails to amaze us all. He is doing much better. Thank you again for your love and support at this difficult time. Lots of love.
Namrita
Wishing you even more strength and sending lots of love!!
Devinder Maan
Thank you Namrita. You know that means so much to me. Lots of love.
Parminder
Hugs and warm wishes my dear.
Devinder Maan
Thank you Parminder. A small note from loved ones always lightens the load. Love – Devinder
Sweety
The soul friend for life, is our best friend as this friend understands us deeply, knows where we are coming from and there are no explanations needed, just simply chatting, working through problems and coming up with answers. A wonderful loving and caring friend at any hour of the day.
Life is so unpredictable doesn’t matter how much we plan it, we never know what awaits us around the corner.
You are so strong to write your blog during this time. Wishing uncleji speedy recovery to celebrate Christmas with the family.
Devinder Maan
Thank you so much Sweety. Your words mean the world. He is doing better and is back home. Now very excited for the holiday. Sending you lots of love.
Michelle
Sending prayers up for your father and your family. Hugs and love my sweet friend!! 💕
Devinder Maan
Thank you so much Michelle. It means a lot. Lots of love always!
Bushra
May God Bless your family Devinder in this difficult time. I had lost my father when he was 58 and it hurts every time I think about it. May he recover soon and God give him a healthy life. Sending love and hugs to you and your family. Please if anything I could do for you, don’t hasitent to let me know?
Devinder Maan
I am so sorry to hear that Bushra. That is such a young age. I bet it hurts and you miss him. Thinking of you and your mom. Please give her my love and enjoy the holidays with your beautiful family!
Erica
I’m so sorry to hear about your father, Devinder. Sending you and your family so many warm hugs and wishes this holiday season!
Devinder Maan
Thank you so kindly Erica. Means so much to hear from you at this difficult time. Lots of love.
Rami
True life is unpredictable! It usually happens when we don’t expect it! We all wish dad a good and speedy recovery! Can’t wait to visit you all! Stay strong as you always have been!
Devinder Maan
Thank you Rami for your love and support always. Love you!