In 1975, my grandpa died from bone cancer. My father nursed him with passion. He was a talented student, but couldn’t pursue engineering anymore due to financial crisis and worked as a helper at an engineering factory to meet ends. Fulfilling his duties, he nurtured his sick mother and an autistic brother. Self-sacrifice for our dutiful services to others was my lesson.
His zealous interest in engineering drew him to ask questions and start learning from the workmen. Eventually, he owned an engineering company from hands on learning. I’ve seen his inordinate dedication to his family and work to give us a better future. He said, “its about us and the family of all my workers.” Today, he is a well-known craftsman in the industrial estate of Gujarat, India. He didn’t let his diploma define his limits. Consistent hard work in the best interest of others wellbeing defines him.
We get so caught up with life that we forget its brevity. It was 07/17/04. Doctor said, “Your mother is in shock due to liver damage and needs instant surgery. Sign this consent”. Clueless, I gave my first official sign. But it was too late. My parents had met with a car accident. They were deprived of urgent medical care due to lack of staff. Surgeon wouldn’t operate my mother until the consent was signed. I was 16, alone and confused. My father was in ICU for 13 months. Injuries caused him lifetime agony. He wished death out of pain and guilt for the loss. Helpless, I could only counsel him with faith. With proper care and time, his crippled body was walking. When he came home, his teary eyes gazed at me and smiled. It made perfect sense with no words. My joy in serving my sick father and weak family is indescribable. But our lives changed. I believe instant medical care, her last best chance, would have given us a closure. My father’s life set examples but her death changed my perspective.
He is aging wisely but not his wounds. He recently went through CABG. When I was afraid, he said, “You make more of a difference than you know. Decide on problems, find solutions, pick best practice, partner and then deliver to the needs.” He knows how to take your fears away. He always reminds me to give back to the society the support they gave us. There is no bigger pleasure than serving humanity.
Life put him to great trials, but he overcomes for his next endeavor. Today, he funds education to potential but underprivileged kids of our society. He runs an English medium campus in his village to promote English speaking. He provides free books and stationary to all the enrolled students.
As an EMT and a MA, I have been involved in patient care for 5 years. It is a beautiful gift to be a part of someone’s day. Patients amaze me with their stance. There is so much to learn from cultural diversity. There is no greater blessing than the healing touch of another. Imagine life with a helping hand in every step. I want to be that hand. It is exciting to watch them recover and resume life. This contentment is my prime asset.
His endless sickness has driven me to advance in my career. As a PA I will be able to balance my life along with the profession. I can upsurge my wisdom by continual learning. I cannot make this planet disease-free, but I can try making it less painful. Understanding body and mind can solve mysteries of life. My inquisitive nature can contribute to mystery solving. Faith lies in comforting reasons. I shall strive to find reasons to comfort patients. Comfort brings peace and it’s all about making peace in the end.
My fatuity caused me to drive under the influence. I was honorably discharged with a good moral character, but left with remorse. I was guilty of risking my fellow beings. Moreover, my father was fighting CHF. I failed to keep up to NYU-Poly criteria and dropped out. This impacted me deeply to the point of action. I couldn’t resist regret and retraced my steps. I have the integrity to confess my errors. It clears my consciences and fortifies my purpose. In the years since, I have matured and to enforce it with reason, I hope to pursue PA profession, although my chances could get very minimal due to this. But it is rightly said, “What we fear the most is usually what we most need to do”.
Life has spun me into the individual I am. Discipline and patience defines me. I know how not to give up but also how to let go. The human brain has a lot of potential, which in the right direction can make wonders. My potential leads in this direction. I learnt that life lived for others without attachment is most worthwhile. This is a life business and death is just a part of it, but what happens to people in their last moments really matters. In memory of that ominous night, I wish to aid shaky families with a chance. Lessons learnt from experiences and education has prepared me to make my life meaningful to others as a PA. My satisfaction lies in my effort and not attainment. This is who I am, and respectfully, nothing else can define me.
