GOOD DAYS ARE BACK

‘GOOD DAYS ARE BACK’

By

J. L. GUPTA

Yesterday, on Jan.21, 2015, I reached the 73^rd milestone on the road of life. Today I have started the journey towards the 74^th. During the year, on my way to the 73^rd, I stopped what I had started 51 years back in Feb., 1963 – the practice of law.  I retired, not because I felt tired. Nor for lack of work to keep me adequately occupied. Nor for lack of ability or inclination to cope up with the legal conundrums. It was only on strict medical advice that I decided to hang my gown. Repeated Cycles of Chemo therapy and other medicines administered  to take care of the remnants, if any, after surgery for the removal of  ‘glioblastoma’ that was detected in July, 2012, have had the inevitable effect of reducing the level of my physical immunity. As a result, I was vulnerable to the slightest exposure to any kind of infection.  And even a minor infection showed the potential to flare up into a serious problem. Actually, two visits to the Court had led to my hospitalisation on both the occasions. Thus, the doctors had firmly advised against my going to any crowded place and the  family, understandably, refused to grant me any further chance. Still, I am not sitting still or idle. There is always enough to keep me occupied. Even when I am not going to the Court, I get a chance to be an Arbitrator and decide disputes. It is really a satisfying job.

Law is undoubtedly, a jealous mistress. Despite that, I had long back cultivated a close liaison with the good old Lady Golf. It is a grand game played in the open and totally green surroundings. One of the few games, where one hits a stationary ball. Yet, it provides a complete diversion from the day’s drudgery. You can hit a good shot only when you are totally relaxed. The Slightest stress tightens the muscle and changes the direction and the distance of the ball’s travel. Thus, a round of golf with friends ensures total diversion and real relaxation to the body and mind. God is kind. I do get a chance to have a round of golf. And Mr. Amandeep Johl @ GONY, my golf Guru still gives me hope that the best has yet to come. He kindles and fans the fire to sustain my desire to some day, by sheer chance and luck, score a ‘hole in one.’

I have also savoured other good things of life. Scotch has been one. Ironically, I developed an aversion to Alcohol while in Scotland in 2012. After the surgery, the surgeon has been kind and generous, but not the Oncologist. However, the aversion is gone. And the appetite is coming back. This reinforces my belief that the tumor is gone. And hopefully, the good days are back!!