Day 15 - When life does a U turn!

Today was a day when I heard a lot of stories...sad stories unfortunately. Stories which I came to know through news papers, through word of mouth. Though no one was known to me, I could only feel pity for them. And these were normal people like you and me who were leading an absolute normal life when suddenly fate had something else in store for them.

A college going girl who commuted daily by train, slipped from the platform on to the tracks when she was trying to catch a moving train. Luckily, she managed to survive the fall but at the cost of losing both her arms. It would have been a normal day for that girl till that accident happened. And now, with this sudden twist she will have to learn to lead a completely different life for the rest of her lifetime. The good news is that there has been an enormous public outpouring of affection and donation. Also, thanks to the media coverage, she has had frequent visitors to her hospital bed providing her solace and motivational support including those who had a similar story to share.


The second story though not as morbid is sad in its own way. An acquaintance who was a new recruit, had been sent to US for training and induction. He had traveled to USA via Frankfurt, a journey of over 20 hours and was just about starting the first day of his training. Then suddenly, in the second half of the session, he was asked to step out mid way through the training session. And just like a bolt from the blue, he was told that his services were no longer required and from that moment onwards his contract had been terminated by the organization. His return tickets were handed over to him and he was asked to leave the same evening for India. He was also coldly informed that if he intended to stay over that night, the expense had to be paid from his own pocket. Such a dreadful feeling to hear this when one is hopeful and looking forward to a bright new future. I am sure he must have wanted the earth beneath his feet to engulf him that very moment.

With these 2 sad stories though unrelated to each other, what I am conveying here is the fickleness of life. What's good today may not remain good forever. Hopefully, such dramatically unfortunate incidents should not befall on anyone, I pray.

The good news is that I hear the 16 year old girl has been overwhelmed by the love and kindness she has been receiving and is slowing getting over the shock. Also, accident victims who have been leading a normal life using prosthetic limbs are providing her a hopeful future by showing how they have successfully coped with this life altering situation. Likewise, I hear that the young man who lost his job unceremoniously is getting tremendous support from his colleagues and friends, who are going out of their way to get him a suitable job at the earliest.
The bottom line is that life can be very ruthless sometimes and we have to be brave and be  ready for any eventuality. So lets surround ourselves with positivity always, be it through people, books, music, a long walk in woods or draw positivity from within ourselves.
Keep the faith!