Shilpa and Spoorthi
Shilpa is the name of this wonderful girl I met in WARDS, Indra Nagar last week. I did not think that there could be a case where a child just CANNOT react to anything at all. So, that was the problem with Shilpa when her parents brought her to WARDS, a school for differently-abled children.
Shilpa is six years old and looks no more than two years of age. She does not respond to a hello or to a chocolate or to a noise or to anything else that a normal child would react to. When we met her, there was no reaction/expression. The teacher told us her health background and that we can expect a rare streak of emotion from her sometime during the day...
I was wearing a copper-sulphate blue dress that day. I think the color attracted her, otherwise there was no other explanation any one could give for the constant look she had towards me... and I must say, this was almost always throughout the day. I even remember the attendant asking me, "its interesting that she has not taken her eyes off you all this while...:-) ". And only then I took it serious and started observing. I wanted to see some mark of emotion on this child's face....
It was post-lunch play time when the children were enjoying their time and space. I was occupied with something and suddenly stopped when I saw Shilpa looking at me. I said a Hello and there was no response... Her mother gave me a warm smile. She put out her hand and thought it might be a hand-shake and tried to shake hands with her.. Then she waved her hand up in the air and I thought it must be a high-five that she is trying to give me.. Then she took her hand to her lips, kissed and put out her hand again. Her face showed a faint smile... ( did I imagine? I don't know... ) It was a great feeling to receive a kiss from a child like Shilpa... I must have scared her with my expression I am sure.... Her mother was very happy.. when asked, she said, "it is very rare that Shilpa expresses herself this way..She knows it is a pleasant and means that she is really happy... or at least that is what I can gather."
For me, the whole experience with this Shilpa kid was definitely an eye-opener.... It is sad that we take life's big gifts (temper, fear, smile, touch, and emotions) for granted, so easily. I did not realize it so much until I met Shilpa last week. The next time I see a child throwing tantrums, I should probably smile and be thankful....
Shilpa is six years old and looks no more than two years of age. She does not respond to a hello or to a chocolate or to a noise or to anything else that a normal child would react to. When we met her, there was no reaction/expression. The teacher told us her health background and that we can expect a rare streak of emotion from her sometime during the day...
I was wearing a copper-sulphate blue dress that day. I think the color attracted her, otherwise there was no other explanation any one could give for the constant look she had towards me... and I must say, this was almost always throughout the day. I even remember the attendant asking me, "its interesting that she has not taken her eyes off you all this while...:-) ". And only then I took it serious and started observing. I wanted to see some mark of emotion on this child's face....
It was post-lunch play time when the children were enjoying their time and space. I was occupied with something and suddenly stopped when I saw Shilpa looking at me. I said a Hello and there was no response... Her mother gave me a warm smile. She put out her hand and thought it might be a hand-shake and tried to shake hands with her.. Then she waved her hand up in the air and I thought it must be a high-five that she is trying to give me.. Then she took her hand to her lips, kissed and put out her hand again. Her face showed a faint smile... ( did I imagine? I don't know... ) It was a great feeling to receive a kiss from a child like Shilpa... I must have scared her with my expression I am sure.... Her mother was very happy.. when asked, she said, "it is very rare that Shilpa expresses herself this way..She knows it is a pleasant and means that she is really happy... or at least that is what I can gather."
For me, the whole experience with this Shilpa kid was definitely an eye-opener.... It is sad that we take life's big gifts (temper, fear, smile, touch, and emotions) for granted, so easily. I did not realize it so much until I met Shilpa last week. The next time I see a child throwing tantrums, I should probably smile and be thankful....
Comments
What is the reason, child being like this ? Any reasons told ?? Can be cured ??
God knows. The medical sciences have their reasons, but then, the experienced grand old mothers say that the women today do not follow some worthy advices from their elders and brand them all 'Old' and 'Illogical'. These are medical challenges is what I think.
These are not curable diseases, but thanks to institutes like WARDS; the children are atleast able to manage better than they would have been able to, otherwise.
Thank you, Its nice to note that you took time to think through and express. I like your posts. You write well.
Applause,
Deepa