I could not help noticing the 70+ old grandma in the Gym today. Standing low on the circular platform, she was practicing bicycle twists; her toothless smile was contagious enough to spread a +ve energy in those early morning hours. Starting slow with my aerobics sessions, I kept watching her in the mirror. She switched sessions with amazing ease, doing flies, kicks and even a few abdominal crunches.
Watching her endless energy, I was determined to catch up with her post work out. The coffee shop in the corner downstairs was deserted in the morning hours, and we met there, sipping caffeine and chatting all through. Jude was a promising athlete, and was the university champion in triathlon, three times in a row, while doing her graduation in history. She excelled in academics as well, winning the Gold medal for the best outgoing student from the graduating class.
The years that followed were painful, for a person who was fighting fit all through. She was diagnosed with intestine cancer, and the reality struck her pretty late..The numerous chemo sessions were not productive, and doctors themselves ruled it off.. Back to her one bedroom studio, Jude was all alone. I am all set to die, so what the heck? It is just a question of today or tomorrow, so why not do what I always liked to do? For the next few months she hit the cubbon park in the morning, touted as the walker's paradise, covering her bald head with a white scarf (peace always!). Completing just 200mtrs of walk seemed to be an eternal journey for her. Over the next few weeks, she completed the distance everyday, taking more than an hour. In the next six months, her body started showing promise, her back was strong enough to support her frame, and her arms were more nimble than before.. She could see a few lines of fresh hair dotting her egg head.. A promising tomorrow was up in the rise. The dreadful disease, apparently, stopped fighting back..
A year down the line, she came back to normal life, healthy and smart, her tress touching her shoulders. She partied, and attended her cousin's wedding in style. She met the doctor who had ruled her off in a shopping mall. He was surprised beyond words, and was too thrilled by the incredible fighting spirit and self belief of this ex-athlete.. She never married, but followed a very active life style, teaching in a local school for underprivileged children, writing a few books and giving motivational talks (of her own incredible story) to cancer patients all over the world!! Hats off to you Jude.. Good to know you, and that sure is an incredible story to pass on.. The story that says over and again, never give up your spirits!
And I met Jude again last month in a 'bicycle for a cause' event in the city, and we cycled to the finish line together!!
Regards
Roy