Published on: August 10, 2024

Rajeena N. writes:

The third get-together of Pallium India’s Parent Support Group ‘Rithu‘ was held on Sunday, July 28, 2024. It was a day we had all been eagerly waiting for. 

It was the first time my family and I were invited to a meeting at Pallium India. I expected a packed hall with doctors addressing the gathering from the podium, explaining to the rest of us how to take care of children with special needs, their diet considerations, and so on. I wondered how I would be able to calm my restless child while trying to pay attention to what was being said by the experienced healthcare professionals.

I could not have been more mistaken. 

The moment we arrived, we were greeted with tea and vadas, and the children were excited when the organising team created beautiful henna designs on their palms. The event was attended by 16 families with around 60 people in total, including volunteers and staff members of Pallium India.

It was more a conversation than a formal meeting, with parents sharing their own experiences, memories and challenges; a reminder for each one of us that though our own problems may be very difficult to tackle, there were numerous others dealing with worse.

Some stories brought tears to our eyes; others motivated us. There was a mother of five, with children who needed special care. She did everything for them and raised them; and in between managed to get herself educated and became a teacher. I found her story quite inspirational. 

A delicious cake was cut by children who had their birthdays recently, and we all got a slice each. An excellent lunch was waiting for all of us which we relished. Everyone appreciated the food and other arrangements.

The next item in the agenda was a visit to the Thiruvananthapuram zoo. I was a little put off because there is a lot of walking involved inside the zoo, and my son could not walk. Ever since he fell sick, we have been confined to our routines. Circumstances were in the way of planning anything. However, my daughter, who had accompanied us to the event, insisted, and so I reluctantly agreed. A bus was arranged to take everyone to the zoo. 

I needn’t have worried so much because the very thoughtful organisers had arranged for a vehicle to drive the children within the zoo. Words cannot express what a relief it was to me and other similar parents. 

Many of us were visiting the zoo for the first time. The children thoroughly enjoyed the experience. When the thirsty and exhausted group climbed back into the bus, we were given juice and biscuits – once again showing that they had thought of everything. 

To many families like ours, who carry an emotional burden due to illness, every day is about survival. There is time for little else. Rithu was a much-needed break from routine that we did not even know we needed. We made friends, and found solace from each other. 

I thank the Pallium India team for gifting us a memorable day, for giving us this opportunity to meet others in the same plight, sharing meals and moments together, for their thoughtfulness and compassion, and for meticulously planning the day for us.

It was definitely an unforgettable experience. We look forward to many more such programs and we parted, with a promise to meet again soon.