Canvas of life

 Canvas of life :
Anand was concerned. He called me to talk about Prasanthi. Prasanthi is another patient care executive working for us.
“Sir, Prasanthi had come to me . Looks like she is depressed about something. She has been talking of resigning her position. I have counseled her, but it would be better if you also speak to him”. This was little unusual. During his one to one sessions with staff , there have been hardly any situations that he has not been able to resolve .My impression on joining was that he is like a mother to staff, so caring and  so considerate. Any member of staff could come to him and resolve his /her issues.
I decided to talk to Prasanthi. She did open up about her personal life , professional life and how she was facing a situation she felt was too big to handle. Now when someone is facing a situation she feels is big, it does not make any sense to tell her that it is a small problem.
I remembered someone talking about making a big line smaller by drawing a much bigger line next to it.
I asked her: “ Prasanthi,  do you remember how any of  your patients had handled some worse situation? ”
She reflected for a moment.
She started telling about  Smriti. A young 25 year old girl with an infected wound which required dressings. Her brother, Rishabh had requested for wound management , and Prasanthi  was assigned that case. The thing she  found different from other cases, was when she  spoke to  Rishabh , he told her “ Sister, you may have some problem reaching my house, so do not bother about bus, take an auto. I will pay the cost.”
Prasanthi says she reached the house, and found Rishabh waiting for her. He introduced his sister Smriti. What struck Prasanthi was that Smriti was a case of Pseudomuscular dystrophy and could not walk. Below Knees, both limbs were poorly developed. She was in for more surprise when during conversation, Prasanthi came to know that Smriti had this problem from childhood. She however managed to study and get a job with Post office. She also managed to drive a modified two wheeler.
Prasanthi , on her next visit, chanced to meet Rishabh’s wife Arti , and realised that she had a deformity of both hands because of which they were rendered functionless.. During her conversations Smriti told Prasanthi that Rishabh had deliberately married Arti , because having seen her Sister with a problem since birth he wanted to take care of similar person for life.
On final visit, Smriti’s wound had healed. She thanked Prasanthi. Rishabh came to see of Prasanthi and help her get an auto rickshaw. He was effusive in thanking Prasanthi. And then Prasanthi did something which none of them expected. She put her hand in her purse and returned the money Rishabh had given for her auto fare. She says Rishabh was absolutely taken aback. So was I, at this moment when she was telling her experience.
I asked the question, which Prasanthi tells me, Rishabh  also asked  “ Why did you return the money? ”
She looked at me “ Sir, Here is a a man who has a small sister unable to walk. Rather than looking for sympathy, he brought her up giving her support to grow independent , had the understanding and compassion for her , and so married another girl who was challenged by not being able to use her hands .A person who has handled such major challenges , is concerned about my facing a minor challenge of reaching his house by bus! What is my challenge compared to one successfully managed by him. I was inspired and decided  to handle my challenges myself.”
As she said that, it seems some thought struck her . “ Oh my God! I had decided to handle my challenges myself, and today because of few things not working out for few days , I am  getting depressed, and even thinking of leaving job!”
She picked up her resignation note and walked out.
I stood transfixed thinking of a man who  looks at a big line, instead of drawing a bigger line, draws a parallel line , balances both with aplomb, smiles and also looks indulgently at a small line drawn by someone , fills up colour holding her hand ,  and makes it look like  a  beautiful sketch. The shades of grit, determination, care and compassion splash up joy all over the canvas of life, and I stand mesmerised.
My reverie was broken by Anand. “What did you tell her, Sir. She walked out totally transformed.”
I had to be honest. “ I did’nt tell her anything. I wish I could meet the person who demonstrated to  her the secret of facing biggest challenges of life”