A Gift from Mumbai

Dec. 29, 2007 Lucille Iacovelli

November left in its wake the bitter aftermath of yet another frustrating medical "encounter". After nearly 10 years of dealing with doctors more proficient in duplicity and prevarication than healing, I should not be shocked or angered when they continue on this path. Yet some small part of me always clings to the hope of an impossible miracle... that one of these highly educated and skilled physicians will develop a conscience; allowing them to break the destructive rules by which they sacrifice patients' well being to protect their negligent brethren. It will never happen in my lifetime, but when things get particularly difficult for me, I take some solace in knowing that my voice has focused attention on the conspiracy of silence in the medical profession, and in regard to iatrogenic injury caused by cosmetic surgery in particular.

Still, the advent of Christmas was not something I looked forward to with any degree of pleasant anticipation. December began with increased physical challenges, and the holidays would once again come and go, not in celebration with friends and family, but quietly uneventful, in the company of my loyal cocker spaniel companion. I was feeling rather despondent when I found a notice in my mailbox that a package was waiting for me at the post office. I was not expecting anything and could not think what it might be. I managed to drive the few miles to the post office, barely making it to the counter to sign for the parcel.

I was surprised and a bit confused when I was handed a package which carried the return address of my favorite sari walla in India. It had been several months since I last purchased a sari, but the size and shape of the package indicated that it was , indeed, a sari. The suspense was too much for me. I did not wait to drive home, but opened the package while in the car. Inside was a beautiful sari, with a note from this most gracious and generous man, wishing me a Happy Christmas and New Year! I cried and cried... such warm and joyful tears! This thoughtful gesture from someone half way across the world so deeply touched my soul, bringing warmth and light into the cold dark corners of my heart.

I will never forget this most memorable and meaningful gift and can only hope that my favorite sari walla knows how his kindness has brightened my holidays.

May the blessing of his generous spirit be returned to him a thousand fold!

My Favorite Sari Walla