On not giving up Ummeed (Hope)

I am sharing a story narrated by an Oncologist on how Positivity  helps people to overcome difficult situations. 

He had a very close friend, who was suffering from Lung Cancer.  His friend came to see him in his Consulting room.  On examination, he found that the condition was not so bad, though some damage had already been done to both lungs. His friend asked him about the state of his health. He told him there was nothing much to worry about and that his condition would improve with the treatment being given by him.  This kindled hope in the mind of his friend, who asked him, " Will I be all right?", to which he  answered, "Of course". 

After a month, the condition deteriorated because the Cancer had spread to both lungs. His friend asked him again, "Will my condition improve?"  He again said, "Have faith in God, confidence in Self and Do Not give up UMMEED (Hope)."

After two months, his condition further worsened because he was finding difficulty in breathing.  He repeated the same question,"Will I recover from this condition?" and the answer was the same,"Of course, why not? Have faith in God and do not give up Ummeed."

The Oncologist knew that the end was closer but he continued reassuring him about the possibility of his coming out of this grievous situation.  

After four months, the condition deteriorated to such an extent that the Oncologist could not hold back the truth. On being asked again whether he would recover, he had to tell him that his condition had indeed deteriorated. He, however, asked him to  continue to have faith in God and not to give up Ummeed,

The patient asked him, "Are you sure, I shall come out unscathed?" Now the Oncologist had no choice but to share the bitter truth with him, saying, "My friend, I cannot be unjust to you.  Though your  condition is indeed precarious, still continue having faith in God and Do Not give up Ummeed". 

The friend gave up 'UMMEED'. 

On reaching home, the Oncologist called up his friend and the phone was picked up by his wife.  He enquired about his state of health and the lady cried saying, "He is no more". 

As long as he kept on clinging to Ummeed, he lived.  The moment he lost Hope, the end came.

The message is loud and clear, "Have faith in God, confidence in self and DO NOT give up UMMEED.

Excerpt from my Autobiography, 'The Endless Learning Curve'

Both Sid and his twin sister, Simsim, are always interested in learning about India. They respect our heritage and its language, culture, religious rituals, and music. Their parents, too, have done everything they could to teach them about India. Fortunately, the cosmopolitan city of Houston offered all sorts of learning opportunities. That’s the best part about America these days. When I talk to Sid and Simsim, there are no cultural bridges to cross, no terms to explain. India is not alien to them. That gives me hope. Sharing stories from another era, steeped in an Indian ethos, wouldn’t pose a challenge at all. As I poured out my life’s unique moments, I could see a huge possibility of this evolving into a book that would interest many others besides my grand-kids. It’s about a journey that many people have made and will continue to make. I realized that quite a few things in my life chiseled my personality into shape. This applies to everybody. The unique elements of timeless, ageless wisdom in many of my life’s events cut across time and culture. Most of the challenges I’ve faced are universal. Each one of us has had to deal with them to some degree.......