A Kind Offer to Help
"Oh, that's a long wait! Don't worry, Uncle. My school closes next week for winter vacation. Please schedule your surgery then. I'll stay with you."
It was a cold December morning. Murali and his grandpa went out for their usual morning walk. The mist was thick that day, making it hard to see anything beyond thirty meters. However, the wide path, lined with streetlights, guided them safely. Others joined them at their regular spots along the way. Someone in the group said, "We should thank the local authorities for keeping this path safe and comfortable for everyone, especially us older folks." Everyone in the walking group wore sneakers, warm sweaters, gloves, and woolen hats.
Murali slowed down to walk beside Uncle Damodar. Lately, he'd noticed Uncle Damodar struggling to keep up with the group's normal pace. Uncle Damodar was about eighty years old and a businessman. After padding for a bit, Murali asked, "Uncle, are you having any trouble?"
"Yes, my boy," Uncle replied. "My left knee has been bad for a long time. Now it's really painful. The doctor says I need surgery."
"Then why haven't you done it yet?"
"I have to, child. But someone needs to stay with me in the hospital for a few days. After that, I'll need help for a couple of weeks too. Your aunt isn't well, as you might know." He paused, then added, "I could hire help, but your aunt would feel happier and more comfortable if our son were here. So, I'm waiting for him to take leave."
"When will your son come?"
"He's working on an important project at his company right now, so he can't take time off. He might come in four months."
"Oh, that's a long wait! Don't worry, Uncle. My school closes next week for winter vacation. Please schedule your surgery then. I'll stay with you." Hearing this, the old man's eyes filled with tears. He gently patted Murali on the shoulder with love and said, "I'd be so happy to have you there, my son. But it might be tough for you. I can wait four or six months—it's not a big deal."
Murali called out to his grandpa, who was a few steps ahead. "Grandpa, did you know about Uncle Damodar's knee problem?" Grandpa stopped, turned around, and said, "Yes, he's had it for a while, and he's planning surgery." The others stopped too and listened.
"But Uncle's plan is taking too long," Murali explained. He shared their conversation and repeated his offer to stay at the hospital.
"You have a wonderful heart, dear Murali. I'm so proud of you," Grandpa said. "You enjoy your holidays. I'll stay with him." This sparked a friendly competition in the group—everyone wanted to help Uncle Damodar. Finally, they decided to take turns, one at a time. The group praised Murali for his kindness and willingness to lend a hand. Uncle Damodar planned to visit the hospital that day to see the doctor and schedule a surgery date.
***
Life-Skills Introduced in This Chapter
Empathy and Observation: Noticing when someone is struggling, like an elderly person walking slowly, and asking kindly about their well-being to offer support.
Offering Help Voluntarily: Stepping up to assist others in need, such as volunteering time during vacation to care for a friend or neighbor during illness or surgery.
Community Cooperation: Encouraging group involvement to solve problems, such as taking turns to provide care, fosters a sense of teamwork and shared responsibility.
Respect for Elders: Showing care and patience toward older adults by listening to their concerns and prioritizing their comfort and health.
Initiative and Problem-Solving: Identifying delays in someone's plans (like waiting for family) and suggesting practical solutions to make things happen sooner.
