Age No Bar

Yesterday, while on my way to office, I was stopped by an old gentleman standing by the side of the road. He was a decently dressed gentleman in his late seventies. He was sweating and breathing heavily, due to scorching heat and the sun. From his condition it was clear that he was hardly able to walk anymore. He wanted a lift, for which I happily agreed.

On our way, he asked me to drop him in front of a nearby working women's hostel. Just out of curiosity, I asked him the reason for visiting there. He replied, "I am Dr. Shukla, a retired Civil Surgeon from the district hospital. I go there every week for the routine check-up of the hostellers." I asked him "Was it necessary for an old man like you, to go there today in such a summer heat. You are still sweating heavily."

The old gentleman smiled and replied," Everyday I have to visit some of these hostels and orphanages. If I had not gone there today, there turn would have come next week. After all, they keep waiting for me." There was a long pause, then he broke the silence "...... and I am not doing it for money. I do it for charity and for my satisfaction only."

I was stunned.... I was shocked... I was speechless... Felt ashamed for my earlier views about him, felt myself too small in front of this human being. I could not utter a single word for the rest of the way.

We reached his destination. He got off and headed towards the gate of the hostel, thanking me and blessing me. I could not say a word... only silently saluted the generosity and devotion of this old man.

Life's Small Decisions

My father is an asthma patient and he has to undergo medical check-ups regularly, so as to keep it under control. Two days ago, I took him to Doctor for one such routine check-up. As we were sitting on the lounge, waiting for our turn, two guys brought a middle aged fellow there, who was looking very sick. They got registered him to the receptionist and let the patient sit in the queue. As I observed that patient, he looked very restless; continuously changing his posture, moving from side to side, some times leaning forward and again leaning back. One of the nurses there asked him to lay down, if he could not sit, but he refused. The man who came with him asked the receptionist, if he could permit them to go to see the doctor first, since that patient was very serious. The receptionist pointed his finger towards me, saying, I am the next in queue and he could let them go first, only if I permit them. The man came to me, joining his hands, asking me to permit them. There was no question of any refusal, as the patient was really looking very serious. Without a second thought I accepted his request.

In the next turn, they got in to see the doctor and I kept waiting outside along with my father. Just within 5 minutes after that, the doctor rushed out along with that man. He took him to the corner and said, "Your patient is under severe heart attack... he haven't got much time... anything could happen..." The doctor informed that he required to be admitted immediately. That fellow agreed to that. The patient was taken to adjacent nursing home immediately and they started the treatment. Next was our turn and we got in for my father's check-up. While examining my father, the doctor turned to me and said, "Gentleman, today you have saved one life." Without having any idea, what he was saying, I looked blankly at him. The doctor continued, "The receptionist has told me everything. It was you who, left your turn for them and let them come in before you. If the patient had to wait for 5 more minutes, anything could have happened to him. It was your decision, which has saved his life."

My mind was completely blank by this time. It was a very simple decision and I had not taken it so deeply. Never even in my wildest dreams, I have thought that such small decisions could save someone's life. Next came another thought, which was more shivering to me... "What if I had not permitted them and something wrong had happened to him, while waiting outside?" Perhaps, I would have to live my whole life with that guilt.

I was speechless...!