At the dawn of my recovery journey following colon cancer surgery, I find myself drawing strength from an unlikely source: a couplet by Kabir Dasji, “Dheere dheere re mana, dheere sab kuch hoye, mali seenche sau ghara, ritu aaye phal hoye.” This verse, preaching patience, tells us everything in life unfolds gradually, like the gardener’s fruit that ripens only in its season.
As I traverse this new chapter, the gardener in Kabir’s Doha is represented by my doctors. Their unwavering dedication and steadfast guidance sow the seeds of recovery and provide the nurturing care that’s indispensable for healing. Their advice, enriched with years of medical wisdom, is the lifeline that guides me through the labyrinth of my recovery.
Listening, truly listening, to my doctors – everyone from the lead surgeons and Heads of Departments to the team of resident doctors forms an integral part of this journey. This active engagement means not merely hearing but understanding the advice, asking questions when in doubt, and adhering diligently to the prescribed path. As an active listener, I embrace the reality that my doctors have traveled this path with countless others before me. Their experienced footsteps offer a roadmap to recovery, and faithfully following them empowers me to navigate the path ahead.
Beyond clinical expertise, my doctors infuse their advice with positivity. Their words illuminate my path, casting a warm ray of hope amid the churning sea of medical jargon and uncertainties. Their optimism is not just an emotional balm but a catalyst, transforming my worry into determination. It’s a testament to their belief in my recovery and a torch that lights my journey through the twilight of the recovery period.
Yet, this journey is not without its trials. Pain, an unwelcome companion in this recovery phase, tests my endurance. It is here that Kabir’s words reveal their deepest truth. Pain becomes a persistent reminder of my body’s ongoing battle, the healing process that, like the ripening fruit, needs time to manifest. Patience, thus, becomes my armor, sheltering me from despair and reinforcing the belief that healing is a gradual journey, not a destination.
Through this reflection, I have realized that my doctors’ advice forms the crux of my recovery. Their wisdom and positivity become my guiding star, and their faith in my healing nurtures the virtue of patience within me. Kabir’s couplets serves as a timeless reminder that the recovery I seek, like the gardener’s fruit, will take time to ripen. The path to recovery is a journey, not a race.
To anyone stepping onto this challenging path, remember: our doctors’ words are more than medical advice; they are the map to our recovery. Imbibe their positivity, adhere to their wisdom, and let patience guide you. We are all gardeners in our own gardens of health.
As I stand at the start of my recovery, I know the journey ahead may be daunting, but I also realize that patience, positivity, and attentive listening are my trusted companions. The path may be steep, but the summit is within sight. After all, the fruit will eventually ripen in its season, and so will my healing unfurl in its own time. Here’s to embracing patience and celebrating every small step towards the summit of recovery.
Author
Pratibha Rajguru, a notable author and philanthropist, is esteemed for her considerable literary undertakings and devotion to family. Her scholarly proficiency, rooted in Hindi Literature, Philosophy, Ayurved, Naturopathy and Hindu scriptures, illuminates her diverse freelance portfolio. Furthering her impact, in the early Seventies, her editorial role at Dharmyug, a respected Hindi weekly by the Times of India Group, underscores her multifaceted literary influence. Currently, she’s enhancing her literary footprint by compiling a collection of poems and spearheading Pratibha Samvad, an online portal to showcase her contributions to the literary field.