Formidable period!

At 9:34 AM on December 31st, I received a phone call while I was engaged in multiple tasks.

The interruption was somewhat frustrating, as managing numerous responsibilities
simultaneously requires considerable concentration. At that moment, I was balancing professional obligations with personal tasks.

Individuals who understand the concept of intrusion might recognise that occasionally our subconscious seeks to communicate through unsettling means.

However, before I could answer the call, it ceased ringing. Subsequently, at 9:50 AM, I returned the call and learned from one of my older cousins that my maternal sides had been admitted to the hospital following a stroke.

I was rendered speechless, as I had seen him just weeks earlier on November 23rd, the same day I experienced the tragic loss of my niece, and he appeared to be in good health.

After receiving this news, several more calls came in, and I informed family members that I would arrive at the hospital as soon as possible.

Attempting to maintain composure, I reminded myself that I must confront this new challenge. Before the phone call, I had intended to prepare a meal; however, upon hearing the distressing news, I postponed my cooking and completed some professional responsibilities. After taking a shower, I prepared for an unknown duration at the hospital.

I reached out to my maternal uncle for directions to the hospital where my cousin was admitted. I then informed him that I would arrive via train. I travelled to the hospital accompanied by another cousin on my maternal side. Upon arrival, we awaited our uncle's arrival.

We inquired about the events leading to my cousin's condition, and he explained. We decided it would be prudent to visit the ICU and obtain updates from the attending physician. Upon entering the ICU,
I was taken aback by the sight of my older cousin!
The doctors presented his CT scan and elaborated on the state of his brain. We learned that he had already experienced a mild stroke, and his heart condition was concerning, with a heart rate below 40.

This experience reinforced a fundamental truth of life: death can occur at any moment, regardless of one’s health, age, or precautions taken. The unpredictability of life became glaringly apparent, reminiscent of how my niece had plans for a haircut shortly before her untimely passing.

The doctor requested that we sign a consent form due to the risks associated with my cousin's condition, necessitating a written application. As preparations for the operation commenced, I observed tears streaming down my cousin's face. Although he could hear us, his eyes remained closed, and he may have been unable to process his circumstances. He is a single parent to a seven-year-old daughter.

We returned to the reception area to await updates during the operation. After approximately one hour, we were called back to the operating room, where the doctor informed us that while the procedure had been successful, the next five days would be critical for my cousin's recovery. At this stage, he could provide no definitive prognosis; the outcome was in the hands of a higher power.

I was informed the subsequent day that my cousin was resting when my maternal uncle visited him. At this juncture, I find it challenging to articulate my emotions,
Yet I am fervently praying for his recovery, as it seems we are experiencing a series of losses in our family.
I am deeply concerned for the future of his daughter,
and as I manage several responsibilities in both my professional
and personal life, I find it complex to share my thoughts publicly.