Bravery

Mrs. Sashta is still very sick. She has been vomitting for most of yesterday despite the antiemetics we have been giving her - and her low-grade fever lingers on.

Last night Sheba did her night call and found her fast asleep. She wanted to let her sleep, but Mrs. Sashta's mother insisted on waking her up.

She woke up with a beautiful smile.

And then she told her story. Her husband died 10 years ago. Of AIDS. She has been suffering with HIV too. He was a driver - taking trucks to different parts of the country. They used to live in a flat in Mumbai. Now she lives in a shack.

She has also had other tragedies. A stove caught fire burning her terribly - and forcing an amputation of most of one arm. Her small child was breast-feeding at the time and had to be fed with infant formula as Mrs. Sashta was recovering from her terrible burn injuries.

And how did she survive? God's mercy and grace - even before she knew His name.

A tribute to this brave lady. With her one good arm, she got to work supporting her family by making papads. Her house is a shack - but her daughter is married and happy. Earlier in the day the girl came - a bright 22 year old. Mrs. Sashta's son - in his late teens is with her at the JSK centre - helping his mother in various ways. Another tribute of grace when so many sons growing up in the slums are barely seen with their mothers.

After telling her story - Mrs. Sashta was breathless. "I haven't talked this much for some time" she said.

We stand in awe of the brave people we have the privilege to serve.