The Grass and The Hospital Room

The yellow green grass pushes against my legs as I walk uphill on the winding road. The thin stalk of the grass is lush green, but the flowers it holds have turned into a dry yellow. There is nothing extraordinary about it but it still holds my attention as I pluck one out into my hands and swing it into the cold breeze. I continue walking swinging the grass stalk in my right hand. The stalk gently kisses the other stalks still grounded all along the road. The mountains rise beyond. The clouds play hide and seek among the rising mountains. The sun decides to join the game too and hides behind a thick grey cloud. All of sudden the world darkens a shade and the cold breeze becomes chilly. It is 7:00 PM on the 26th of May in Tuscanny, Italy.

The pain shoots upwards into my back. I find it difficult to stand but I know I need to continue walking. I hold on to the rails supporting the balcony of the hospital ward, waiting for the pain to go. I breathe slowly and deeply, counting till 10. I am nervous and scared. The pain eases. I release the rails, straighten my back and wipe the sweat from my forehead. I am walking again. One step, two step, three step. I concentrate on walking. Just keep moving, don’t think about whats next. Everything is going to be fine. It has to be fine. The next pain is sharper than the one before. I almost lose my balance as I try to get into a position to handle the pain. A strong arm instantly goes around my back taking the weight off my feet. I groan in pain and hold tightly onto the two arms now around me. This has to be over soon. I might not be able to last for too long. It is 7:00 PM on the 26th of May in Hyderabad, India.

The sun decides to stay hidden on its way down the mountains. I curl my arms around me, hugging my jacket trying to stay warm. My legs ache and my breathing is heavy. I am not sure if it is because of the cold air, the uphill climb or the beauty of the world around me. Reluctantly I turn away from the intoxicating view and decide to head home. It is 7:45 PM on the 26th of May in Tuscanny, Italy.

My legs are aching and I am too warm. I feel the need to relieve myself. I enter my room and head for the adjoining bathroom. As I sit down on the seat, there is a gush of water that flows down. It is much more than normal. My heart misses a beat. It is almost time now. My water just broke. It is 7:45 PM on the 26th of May in Hyderabad, India.

Same time, same day,  I am into the same routine of walking but the world has completely changed around me in a span of two years. Two years ago I was waiting to deliver Yog in the hospital room. Two years ago, I didn’t even know if it was Yog who was going to come into my life. Two years ago, I had no clue how beautiful life was going to be.

Two years later, on the eve of Yogs Birthday, I am holidaying in the mountains of Italy with family. The beauty of Italy is mesmerizing, but then, the beauty of Yogs smile, his deep eyes looking into mine and his hands around my neck are more enchanting than anything God could have ever created.

There are no fancy plans for Yogs second birthday. I am completely at a loss on ideas of how to Thank God for something so amazing. Nothing that I could ever do would be able to express my gratitude towards Him.  Every day that I spend with Yog is a day worth celebrating. So I am really not sure how to make this special day extra special for Yog. God has already given me so much that I sometimes feel guilty for asking for more. But since this is Yogs special day, I seek Gods grace for him. I pray that God gives me the wisdom not to try and mold Yog into what I want him to be, but instead let him bloom into what he was destined to be. He already has what he needs to be a successful individual. There is nothing more that I can ask for him.

Happy Second Birthday dearest Yog! Thank you for choosing me as your Mother!