The last couple of years have been tough on my physical health. I had been coughing for some time, and the doctors had been treating me for spring allergies, as is common in New England.
Thank goodness, a doctor friend of mine and her husband, who is also a doctor, visited us. The very next day, he declared that I should look into acid reflux, not allergies. If you’ve met me in the past two years, you must have seen me struggle with the cough. I trusted his advice—thank goodness I did—because with his recommendations and the medication, I was much better by day four. I followed his dietary modifications, consulted my doctor, and things got back on track.
However, every time I strayed from the plan, drinking tea, enjoying some drink, or eating late, my cough would return. I worked on changing my lifestyle, and I was feeling much better. Then, Amma’s passing took its toll on me. The grief and stress made everything worse.
These friends suggested I visit them in Surat when I was in India. They were pretty insistent, so I decided to give it a try.
I arrived in Surat on the third day of my trip to India. They already had a plan. First, I met the cardiologist. He didn’t find anything worrisome but advised me to lose 10 kilograms for my overall health.
For dinner, the doctor friend who had once made me stop all the fun drinks took me out to experience Surat’s street food—but only after I shared a drink with them. The restrictions he had imposed on me were lifted just for this one night, celebrating my arrival. He joked, “Dawa and Daru dono shuru” (both medicine and fun are starting now).
I’m fortunate to have such friendships and the healing power of good company. With laughter, care, and a little indulgence, I was reminded that life is about finding balance—no matter the challenges.
