Life. Lessons.

Phone rings as I am considering leaving the office to the hospital. Close friend on the line. It is about the hush-hush plans we are having about a holiday. “I’ve booked the tickets”, he announces. “Now, tell me where are we supposed to book our hotels in”. 

I answer that question and add, “But, there’s a hitch”. 

“What now? Don’t tell me you’re changing dates and plans!” I could hear the annoyance in his voice. 

“No, it’s just that dad is unwell.”

“Why? What happened?”

I hesitate for a moment and then respond.

“He suffered a mild stroke the day before. So, I am a little unsure about my dates of travel”.

“Oh! So sorry to hear. Let’s cancel the plans then. We may do this another time”.

“Nope. My original plan was to reach much earlier than you guys. Now, I’ll reach almost at the same time as you all. This has been in the making for quite a while”. 

“How’s the prognosis?”

I explain it once again - have lost count how many times I’ve already done. That his left limb isn’t yet responding well, and intense physiotherapy is the solution since the tissue in the cortex is gone because of a block. 

“How is he taking all this?”

“Oh he’s cheerful as ever. Tells he’s lived well and on his own terms, and all that. He’s giving life lessons to everyone who’s visiting, and to the doctors and staff at the hospital!” 

We both laugh at this and the friend says, without missing a beat. 

“Now this brings amazing clarity”.

“What is it?”, I am curious.

“The ability and skill to preach and lecture have come to you as a hereditary gift”, and laughs hard. 

I seethe and smile at the same time!