Hello folks,
I believe that life has so much to give if only we cared to give a little thought to the most minuscule of joys (which we’d find so much of) only if we’d stop looking at the looming discomforts and discontents.
So here I am, to share with you the simplest joys in my life as I have experienced some time in my life and those that I take as I face each day, at a time.
An Eye-Opener
I travel back and take you with me dear readers to a time of awe, wonder and discovery – Childhood – A time when every instant was enjoyed and well spent.
Each moment brought findings new and prized -most of them very regular and simple, often inconspicuous but remarkable to the permeable mind.
The marvel of a tiny ladybird- its glossy colour and spots, the conception of the power in the ‘whirr’ of its tiny wings; the wonder of watching water and its accompanying bubbles flow through a transparent plastic pipe – and the flair by which the little mind in all of its imaginative competence turns them into journeying vehicles in accordance to their sizes; the intriguing discovery of ants and the hours whiled away in trying to comprehend their all-day busy rush, their hurried meeting and greeting and always-on- the- run stance.
There remain so many more of such breathtaking ‘eureka’ moments that I could transport you to, but my wish and intent today is to present a revelation quite significant that it holds a great bearing even now, decades after its first contact.
Short holidays and vacations through the year at school, usually didn’t take many of us home to spend with family. Instead, our revel in delightful indulgences took care of any home-sick moments. That special autumn break had two girls who also couldn’t be home, join us,. We were told of their visit and how we were to make our guests as comfortable as we knew how to.
The excitement in meeting new friends which couldn’t be contained had the two surrounded in a crowded welcome. Who were they, where did they come from, what were their names stood prime on our questioning minds.
As the initial introduction was being done by teacher-in-charge, all animated and energized exhilaration suddenly fell to a soft murmur of whispers – both our new acquaintances could not see – they had visual impairment. Overwhelmed by curiosity we crowded in. This was conceivably the first ever experience of its kind, up close, for all.
All those of us of about the same age group (9-11) were left to take over responsibility of making them feel at home and enjoying the time spent here.
Intently they listened and repeated names as each one in the group made introductions.
Patiently they answered query upon query thrown in to help us get a glimpse of what was in their world of sightlessness. We absorbed and soaked in all in amazed wonder.
Eager enthusiasm to help our vulnerable friends, woke us up earlier than usual the next day to find that they had already beaten us on the clock and were set to begin the day; this had been accomplished with absolutely no help of any sort. How did they chart and navigate their way around without any assistance having been only less than 24 hours in their new surroundings?
Filled with more questions and awestricken, good mornings were exchanged. You could imagine our next bewilderment when each of us was addressed individually by name, accurate and with hardly an error. One introduction was all it had required for them to hear, note and connect names to voices.
Initial pity turned to unfathomable astonishment, now to be replaced by immense admiration.
Our friends did not allow a lack remain a deficit. This was an early but profound discernment and overwhelming insight on life’s lesson – A first among many other firsts but one with a long lasting effect.
