Today was an unusual day at Samiksha. Five of us were there to tutor, read, talk to or share our time with the children at the ward. Only a small group of them showed up. Most were new faces. We talked about this among ourselves, as we realised that we needed to supply fresh school supplies and material for everyone there.  We then decided to go around the ward and introduce ourselves to the new inpatients and their caregivers. As we went around we found many beds empty and cleaned out, it was quieter than usual. Truth is that most of the children in the ward had been discharged!

Someone mentioned to me that this means we have to start all over again with a new lot of kids… new books, new supplies, new friendships … then Thishya reminded us that it  is  a GOOD thing and a relief to see  so few faces here.. Its a paediatric oncology ward for crying out loud! We should be happy for those who have gone home… And so we are. We wish them the best. :)

Sandhya