Chapter 26

Stepping out of comfort zone …

Her crying continued….doctor prescribed some medication which would show results gradually and we had to wait patiently. The environment did not really matter in causing and controlling her emotions. We tried to keep her occupied and engaged at home as school was over….also I explored the options for the way ahead….after school. I got in touch with senior educators I knew, working in different organizations. I continued my research on finding the right ‘work cum learning’ environment for her….with the faith that something must have been planned by the Lord.

In April 2015, we got the wonderful news about our son who had been selected as the vice-captain of his house in Junior school! This called for celebration and we all went for his swearing in ceremony. My daughter was briefed about the big ‘Good News’ and why the function was being held! She looked excited to be a part of the celebration. But just before my son began speaking and addressing the audience, daughter became emotional for no evident reason and began weeping! I patted her back, hugged her gently, with my eyes and ears stuck on my son on stage! Because I knew, this golden moment would never come back and I had to thank Lord for this precious gift.
I still remember the feeling that day…Rotey rotey hansna sikho, hanste hanste Ronaa…..

Medication began showing positive results! I was on leave for a few months and could give her a lot of time; going for walk together, singing, reading, chanting, drawing, painting and so on. A dear friend of mine happily agreed to teach her vocal music in individual sessions, once a week. My daughter was already learning art once a week and was developing interest in various kinds of drawing and coloring. A kind hearted young boy from a good fitness institute had begun training her since May 2012. These activities were crucial just not to keep her occupied  but for balancing her emotions as well!

A senior experienced special educator and friend spoke about the possibility of my daughter to be placed in a school library. Looking at her skills of reading, typing, copying,  writing without spelling errors, handling the computer with ease; she could be trained in library job! She always had a fascination for looking at books sitting in her school library, which is always air conditioned. So I thought, why not explore this option!

In July 2015, my daughter got a warm welcome by the entire team of this renowned school. She was introduced to a couple of tasks; sticking of due date slips, listing of books and uploading the same and saving on computer. She picked up both the jobs very well and the department of library was highly impressed! We had to pay attention to things like, walking smartly to reception, signing the register, setting down to work, taking break for a snack or to watch a video, resuming her work and writing a mail to HOD, after all the work done. For the 1st month at her workplace, I was around for the entire time with her. Then slowly I started leaving her for 30mins, 1hour, 2 and then 3 hours!
The smiles of acceptance and encouragement that I observed among the staff around, made me feel that, God has chosen this place for a reason…
“My daughter is meant to touch more lives in a new organization”
I said a silent “thank you” to Almighty!

“Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts.”
—Henri Frederic Amiel