Author: Sudhakar Shetty (Vinit’s father) and Vasanthi Shetty (Vinit’s mother)
Content Creators:
Editor: Vrindashree Kumar
Illustrator: Vibha G Rao
Guest Contributors: Dr. Ria Fernandes (Physiatrist at Mazumdar Shaw), Dr. Arjun Alva (Critical Care Medicine Consultant, Narayana Hospitals Bengaluru)
It gives us immense pleasure to stroll down the memory lane and fondly recount the precious and eventful moments of our son's childhood from the day he was born, right up to his adventures as a spirited and curious young boy, most of them heart-warming and hilarious stories to share.
Picture this: A cute, adorable entry into this wild world as a chubby 9-pound baby graced our lives when he was born. From that moment on, our lives were never quite the same. We doted on him, showering him with love and making sure he got all the necessities and care.
Vasanthi Shetty: Do you all remember those Glaxo advertisements? Well, our boy was so adorable that Glaxo even asked for his picture in one of their baby advertisements. People on the streets couldn't help but notice his striking appearance, and some even mistook him for an Arab kid! Yes, his looks were that captivating! And to be honest, he soaked up the attention like a little superstar in his early childhood.
Sudhakar Shetty: Curiosity practically ran in Vinit’s veins. This kid had questions about everything under the sun. I still chuckle thinking about the time he interrogated airport officers about those conveyor belts. And believe it or not, his charm and acquaintance sometimes scored us better treatment.
Speaking of charm, let me tell you about the time my mother came to visit us in Kuwait. Our little dynamo couldn't contain his excitement and sprinted through the airport arrival, pushing the cop aside to greet her. The policeman yielded to the naïve feelings with a smile.
She adored him like there was no tomorrow, and he could do no wrong in her eyes. If she said she was thirsty and needed a coke, you bet he'd echo those exact words – it was like having a little parrot around! Whenever he ventured into trouble territory, my mom was the ultimate shield from the wrath of scolding.
Vasanthi Shetty: Like any other kid during his formative years, he too had his share of first day-of-school tears, but trust me, once he settled in, there was no stopping him from having a blast. He had an uncanny knack for finding himself in unique situations. Like that time, he decided to borrow the electricians' tools to drill a hole in the wall – creativity at its finest, I tell you.
And, winter in Kuwait meant a cozy, carpeted house, but our little adventurer turned it into an impromptu bonfire when he set a tissue ablaze. Oops! Luckily no permanent damage had happened, but definitely a valuable lesson was learnt. Trouble, of course, was his constant companion. And let's not forget the day he tried to mimic his dad and sneak a puff of a cigarette – a moment of parenting that had him question his own choices!
Sudhakar Shetty: Oh, and the Bollywood obsession! Now, one thing our son had a fierce passion for was Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan. Every Friday, you could find him glued to the TV screen, and believe it or not, his love for Amitabh worked wonders for his schoolwork motivation. "If you study well, I'll ring up my friend from the TV channel to play an Amitabh movie for you," became the golden incentive that made homework a breeze. Little did he know, I've had the inside scoop on the movie schedule from the morning newspaper. Well, that was our little secret our Junior wasn’t aware of.
His theatrical prowess couldn't be denied either. His royal appearance scored him the title of Maharaja in many plays. Once he made complete preparations himself and enacted his all-time favorite iconic role of "Coolie" in Kuwait's Kannada Koota.
The best memory is of visiting this incredible place called Entertainment City in Kuwait for his vacations. It was the ultimate spot for non-stop fun, entertainment, and crazy adventure rides. We also hit up the zoo, Failaka Island and how could we miss the Kuwait Towers? Those things were iconic. But you know what he loved the most? The beaches! He would just chill there, watching people splash around in the water and build epic sandcastles. As a kid, he was a bit scared of going too deep into the water, but he would still wade in up to his shoulders for some swimming action. I wished that accessible swimming pools were more common in India.
As he grew, his interests blossomed. Our son had an insatiable fascination with speeding cars, and our family picnics turned into adrenaline-packed races. I'll never forget the time when my friend Mohan crossed a red signal just to satisfy Boxie’s wishes – he was an undisputed favorite for everyone! His love for driving cars was unwavering, and he often wished that he could be behind the wheel too. And don't even get me started on his punctuality. Our boy was always spot-on when it came to being on time and it seems like his sister, Shreya, took after me in the punctuality department, as she always managed to keep us on our toes!
So, dear readers, there you have it – a glimpse into the thrilling rollercoaster that was our son's childhood. From Glaxo-worthy cuteness to daredevil antics and Bollywood movie deals, his journey has been remarkable. We feel an overwhelming sense of pride and joy. After all, parenthood is an adventure like no other, and we wouldn't trade a single moment of it for the world. But who knew that such an enchanting kid would encounter severe adversities in later life? Feel proud that with his strong willpower and brave frame of mind, he has set an example for others to follow. However, it reminds us of the importance of better infrastructure support, such as more accessible swimming pools and opportunities to drive, which could unlock even more opportunities and enhance his quality of life.
Similarly, the crucial support of medical professionals has played a pivotal role throughout our journey. We have collaborated closely with numerous experts in the field. Dr. Ria Fernandes, a Physiatrist working in Mazumdar Shaw says, “The patient's family is the primary source of support and care when dealing with a chronic disability, particularly in cases where the disability stems from a genetic disorder and manifests from a very young age. Understanding the disease becomes paramount, as the family's comprehension directly influences the quality of care provided to the patient. A lack of awareness and fear about the future can hinder the provision of necessary care. Therefore, families must actively seek knowledge about the condition, accessible through medical professionals and the internet, to alleviate their anxieties and enhance their ability to predict potential issues. Additionally, families should not hesitate to seek external support, as some may feel ashamed or overwhelmed by the responsibility of caring for a disabled family member. This reluctance can lead to suboptimal outcomes. Support groups, which encompass family, friends, medical professionals, and NGOs, may provide either emotional or financial assistance to families, thereby alleviating the mental and physical strain associated with caregiving. Ventilation sessions within support groups are valuable for sharing experiences and gaining insights into managing disability effectively.”
Dr. Arjun Alva, Critical Care Medicine Consultant, at Narayana Hospitals, Bengaluru adds to this saying, “In situations involving patients with complex medical conditions, particularly in the context of intensive care, the role of parents and family is pivotal. For instance, when dealing with conditions such as stroke or neurodegenerative diseases like Hereditary sensory motor neuropathy (HSMN), and muscular dystrophy, where the patient's respiratory muscles are involved resulting in ventilation support, families must learn about the specific care needs. Non-invasive ventilation becomes a crucial aspect of care, and families need to understand its operation and maintenance. Awareness of the disease's progressive nature is essential, and it's vital for families to proactively educate themselves about the condition and its symptoms.”
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