Dear K,
Life is a paradox. I have noticed that strangers are kinder to us. They tend to be more compassionate than our nearest and dearest ones. Why is kindness easier with strangers, but it is a stranger to our own?
In September 2023, my sister was hospitalised. She was admitted to a twin-sharing room with just a curtain separating the two beds. As we were allotted the room at night, we did not get a chance to see the hospitalised roommate.
However, the two people on the other side of the room just kept talking. Finally, after much ado, I had to get up and request them to switch off the lights and talk in a lower tone. To my surprise, I saw an elderly lady on the patient’s bed and her middle-aged son as the attendant.
Even before I could complete my sentence, the two had apologetically done the right thing. It really pleased me that they respected the other patient’s condition and were happy to co-operate without any aplomb.
The next day, I left my sister alone for an hour, went home for a bath and some papers. In the meanwhile, her condition worsened and she sat crying on the sofa, as the nurse and doctor wouldn’t give her the due attention. The lady attendant from the other side came to help her, just as I entered the room. She went to the nursing station and even got her a vomit bag, as my sister’s condition worsened.
We never asked each other’s names, just got an idea that all of us lived in the neighbourhood. The elderly lady was discharged the next day and her family wished us well before going.
Just a little consideration for our pain as neighbours, a little smile and genuine desire to help, even that seemed like a balm from heaven in the painful state.
On the other hand, my mother and I were hospitalised multiple times between 1994 and 2004. And not even one member of the extended family came forward to help. We battled all the serious illnesses, financial meltdown, emotional wounds all on our own.
Since then, I have started believing in the little things that make us happy. A bit of respect, politeness, a genuine smile and a little unasked and unexpected offering, just this much is enough to please the heart.
Life is a journey through valleys, mountain passes, over rivers, through tunnels, but remember when you look up, the sun, the moon and the stars are always there. And that’s what I hold dear, that for the universe, we are equals, be it suffering or joy; it’s always watching over us.
Love,
A
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Queen of Treasures 
In the eyes of the universe, we are equal. What a brilliant thought. The kindness I have received from strangers ranks higher than any other kindness.
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We are only wheels in the eyes of the universe, it isn’t bothered we don’t worry about feelings, the wheels just keep moving!
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Compassion – such a positive thing to give back to our society. It is so touching to read about the kindness shown by the lady attendant. Such a nice soul. God bless her.
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Family sometimes takes eachother for granted but with a stranger, a shared pain/circumstances can end up forging stronger bonds. These bonds, they may last only a day or even just a second but their permanance in the memory keeps us tethered~ wishing your sister good health ✨
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I feel people in close proximity also bring in toxic thoughts and feelings like comparison, jealousy and more. The surface is only about immediate reaction.
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Thank you for being brave and sharing your story! I hope that your sister is doing better! I think sometimes family we take for granted… or they us… we spend so much time together that we just assume someone will ask if they need us or that a family member will do the right thing in these situations before even being asked. However strangers who may be facing similar struggles or situations have way more empathy and compassion because they understand what you are going through. They can relate and connect on a deeper level than family in these situations… even if good situations also!
Just what I’ve kind of noticed in my life journey anyways. Keep on keeping on and remember to never assume anything. Kindness goes a long way and so does appreciation… stranger or family.
Thank you again for sharing!
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