My Rendezvous

“It’s horrifying to see hundreds of kids, every day and every night, get admitted into the hospital for things that have no definite outcome, and what feels worse is to witness them try to make their parents feel better about it, when they themselves are as hopeless,” the receptionist at CHOP said, as she was asked about her experience working at the hospital.

Growing up, I never really knew what it felt like to have someone close to me be diagnosed with some form of severe illness. But as I stood there, amidst families and their kids, I was overwhelmed. I was overwhelmed with the feeling of worry, sadness and fear.

Illness is a constant battle that millions of people, no matter what part of the world they live in, attempt to combat. Talking to the receptionist made me realize the actual toll, self belief and confidence it takes for one to survive through the tragedy.

The book Wild was a constant reminder of my own monster. The book is based on Cheryl attempting to overcome the tragedy of her mother’s death. For the first 16 years of my life, I was majorly brought up by my grandpa, who is now 90 years old. On my 6th birthday, my grandpa gifted me a winnie-the-pooh plushy, and that was my favorite thing ever. I held it while sleeping, traveling and even reading. However, after about 4 years, I lost the plushy, and that was probably the worst thing that has ever happened to me, no matter how foolish it sounds. The plushy symbolized my grandfather’s love, nurture and mere presence in my life. A man who loves painting, devotes his entire life to orphans and holds the most special place in my heart is simply not supposed to die. Out of all the different monsters I could be dealing with, the anxiety of how I am going to overcome my grandfather’s death surpasses all.

Wild is a beautiful representation of the effect a person can hold in one’s life. Cheryl’s mom symbolized courage, integrity and discipline and with her death, that is exactly what Cheryl attempted to bring into her life. While I still am as unsure of how I am going to deal with my grandpa’s death, this book taught me to give my best effort into incorporating my grandfather’s ideals and morals.

The book Wild was a constant reminder of my own monster. The book is based on Cheryl attempting to overcome the tragedy of her mother’s death. For the first 16 years of my life, I was majorly brought up by my grandpa, who is now 90 years old. On my 6th birthday, my grandpa gifted me a winnie-the-pooh plushy, and that was my favorite thing ever. I held it while sleeping, traveling and even reading. However, after about 4 years, I lost the plushy, and that was probably the worst thing that has ever happened to me, no matter how foolish it sounds. The plushy symbolized my grandfather’s love, nurture and mere presence in my life. A man who loves painting, devotes his entire life to orphans and holds the most special place in my heart is simply not supposed to die. Out of all the different monsters I could be dealing with, the anxiety of how I am going to overcome my grandfather’s death surpasses all.

Wild is a beautiful representation of the effect a person can hold in one’s life. Cheryl’s mom symbolized courage, integrity and discipline and with her death, that is exactly what Cheryl attempted to bring into her life. While I still am as unsure of how I am going to deal with my grandpa’s death, this book taught me to give my best effort into incorporating my grandfather’s ideals and morals.