Picture: Hanuman from sacred Hindu texts. the epitome of pure devotion and unconquerable will when reminded of his divine nature. Picture by Lakshmi (Gargi)
We can retreat in life or fight on for progress; each day we are on a battlefield of some sort and each day we decide which we are to do. For so many years my battlefield was on the inner plane—daily meditation, working in the world without attachment to outcomes and with my mind focused on God—these were my battlegrounds. Then God directed me out of the work world and put me solidly face to face with myself in hand to hand combat through deepening meditation–there is no greater discipline than this.
More recently God has seen fit that this body should be a focus for yet another battleground. First, over three years ago melanoma was found in the small intestines and then in the liver, which were removed by surgery. Then two months ago a hemorrhagic stroke the size of a lemon in my right hemisphere had the real possibility of killing this body. But, through God and Gurus Grace, extensive healthcare, intensive prayers and a determined will I made a dramatic recovery according to all the doctors and caregivers.
This past week I have had a viral infection that has really taken the wind out of my sails—it is slowly improving now. Earlier this week I went in for MRI scan of the brain and Saturday my saintly surgeon doctor called with the results. I have two spots on my brain that are “suspicious,” meaning he thinks they are spots of melanoma. If his reading of the results is confirmed, then he recommends radiation treatment. I also have a spot on my spine which will be biopsied this next Thursday. If this is also melanoma, which he is suspicious of, then they will take tissue from the biopsy and create a concoction to inject back into the body to trigger the immune system to look for melanoma and destroy it; this is called immunotherapy.
While this is a lot of news, it by no means all dire. We have discovered the spots on the brain before they created more strokes, the biopsy from the spine may yield the means for a lasting treatment that keeps the melanoma at bay. While I am weaker from the virus, God has left intact my tremendous desire to fight for perfect health, and He has given me a first-class health system and you, my first class-prayer warriors, at my side. For that I am remarkably thankful. I could write volumes about Carla’s perfect seva during all of this time, and the many, many gifts of kindnesses by gentle and loving devotees.
What I am sorry for is not to spend more time with you, but the doctor has stressed and my experience has shown that my brain and body continues to need rest for full recovery. So please receive my greatest prayers of love and blessings to you.
P.S. Please pray for our dear Micheline from Prince Rupert, a sincere kriyaban these many years, keep her in your thoughts and prayers as she has had a recurrence of cancer. Om Sri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram!