Slow down! Live and Love

“I’ve always been independent — I’ve lived on my own since I was 18, travelled extensively, won awards and got into my dream college. I had almost forgotten what family was by then and had my eyes set on a job in Bangalore — one that I’ve always wanted.  After finishing my masters from NID Ahmedabad, I landed that job and I felt unstoppable. A few months into it, my father was diagnosed with a rare degenerative disease and I learnt that I was the only one who could potentially save his life with a transplant. 

I was at a complete crossroad — I was told that there was a 10% chance of not making it out alive and my father only had a 20% survival chance given his condition. I was given some time to make this decision, during which time I met a lot of women who advised me against it — they raised questions like - ‘how will you give birth’ or ‘what about marriage?’  what I realized then is that we build so many fears in our own minds that sometimes we begin to settle in a self made cage. There was only one other man going through the same thing as me — he was a donor to his father and both of us encouraged each other to get through what was to come. I was scared, but I couldn’t quit on my father…no matter what his chances were I at least had to try. 

The surgery was a success and both of us were in good condition within three months but I still wasn’t at peace because of the setback at work. I threw myself into long hours, travelled to Europe and even though my health spiralled at times, I pushed myself harder.  Within a few weeks, my donor friend who I'd been through so much with suddenly passed away — I was devastated. 

After having been through so many different experiences I just decided to stop. I slowed down, quit my job and finally decided to focus on helping myself heal. I decided to take one day at a time and walk myself out of self-doubt, weakness and fear. I got so caught up in trying to chase my dreams that I almost forgot to live and to love my family. Sometimes when things like this happen, it’s life’s way of telling you to slow down and when you do, you realise that you can never take it for granted— this is your only shot at one beautiful life.”

as told by Sony Manjaly

Image source:Google