My Mother — Page 150
150 comfortable and is talking. But her general condition is causing anxiety and I think you should come down immediately. ’ ‘I cannot leave today. I have a very important meeting tomor- row which I cannot postpone. I shall leave tomorrow afternoon and arrive in Delhi on Friday morning. Thus, I can stay in Delhi during the weekend. ’ ‘I am afraid you do not appreciate the situation. ’ ‘I realise what you mean, but duty stands in the way. God is Gracious and I am sure will be Merciful. ’ ‘As you will. ’ I telephoned in the evening and was told that Mother was feeling better and that there was no immediate cause for anxi- ety. Dr. Latif had associated the civil surgeon with himself in her treatment. On Thursday morning the report was the same. Nevertheless, I sent telegrams to my brothers and sister that I was going to Delhi and they should all journey there. I arrived in Delhi on Friday morning, May 13, and was much heartened by finding Mother looking bright and cheerful. My wife told me that Mother had insisted on her washing and combing being completed before my arrival, so that I should not find her unkempt. Dr. Latif told me that my wife had been occupied through- out with serving Mother devotedly, regardless of her own comfort and health. I observed myself that none of us—sons, daughter, and her other daughters-in-law—were able to render such selfless personal service to her as did her senior daughter-in-law. Mother and my wife told me that Dr. Latif and his wife had also taken such good care of her as could be expected only from a devoted son and daughter. Mother said to me, ‘Should God grant me life I