She's Part of Us

By Charlene Thamaravelil

Shes Part of Us is a work of fiction. David V. Abraham is the main character. He is a singer, just like in the movie Beaches.

Dr. Abrahams heart has a journey to take. Staying In the field of medicine would be the proper thing to do; however, his new found love of music brought to him the world of bright lights and glamor.

To marry or not to marry an American girl is his biggest dilemma. He didnt plan it that way, but while working alongside Misty he fell in love with her. But getting married to her would mean defying his family elders, which he had no intention of doing. Misty is the nurse who takes care of Elizabeth, a little girl with celiac disease.

Dr. Abraham makes his decision while standing over Elizabeth and singing to her with all his might. He is singing one of Bobby Goldsboros songs. Though the blending of two other people gave her birth; we will love her with all our hearts

Mark is Mistys friend with whom she grew up, and he is in the air force. They are engaged; however, he gets shipped out to Vietnam and leaves without saying good bye.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Sep 28, 2015
• ISBN: 9781512712094

Charlene Thamaravelil

Charlene Thamaravelil is a graduate of Creighton College in Memphis, Tennessee. She was born and grew up in the Ozarks during the Vietnam War. After getting married to a man from South India, she travelled to Europe and India several times. Her main interests are literature and history. She has three grown children and six grandchildren; Mathew and Michael are the two younger ones, while Mary Ann is the oldest and suffers from celiac disease. The doctors at one point simply gave up on her, but as parents, they stood by her bed side in fearful anticipation. They never stopped hoping and praying. “Heal her, oh, God, and we will praise you forever” was their prayer.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Medicine or Music

T hey were sitting across the aisle from one another. Dr. Abraham was having Mango juice. She was having Coke

Misty’s eyes widened at the sign above the stage, flashing the title Dr. David V. Abraham. Underneath the flashing lights sat a man clothed in a mystery all his own. Dr. Abraham was born into the medical profession, went to medical school, and was prepared for a long career in medicine. However, a brand new music career was looming in front of him, and he was not sure just how to handle it. Behind that name, stands a man with an uncommon point of view, a distinct color of skin, a unique set of values, a culture peculiar to the rest of us, and a bequeathal, distinctive only to his world, it would seem.

Misty’s long, blonde, curly hair fell across her face and shoulder as she turned toward Mark. and looking up into his eyes, she smiled. As she lingered, Misty realized her fiancé was pondering all the assorted possibilities for this evening’s adventure. For weeks now, the newspapers had been advertising this event. Here is a man new to the industry, a man with a sound all his own, a man from across the sea. For months now, the news had been discussing an upcoming Country and Western singer. He’s from Asia and he is dynamic! A brand new star, with a brand new style, all his own! Those were the exact words of the morning paper. He had been on the front page of the Arkansas Paper all week.

Mark, her fiancé, had been given a special invitation to attend this concert as a special speaker. He was to represent the Air Force. Each branch of service had their own speaker. Mark had accepted this engagement with a great deal of reluctance. The committee had chosen Dr. Abraham as the Gospel singer for the evening. Misty continued to stare at this young singer, seated across the table from her. Dr. Abraham was seated near to her, and yet far away in reality. From her history class, Misty knew a whole world lay between them. Facts from her World History class kept floating past in her mind. The Himalayas lay stretched across the North. The Indian Ocean flows along the South, making a total of at least 3 million square kilometers. Trying to recall more of the Indian culture, she continued to watch this young Indian singer. A variety of views, dreams, customs, and beliefswas sure to surround Dr. Abraham. Misty sighed to herself. "This man has been shaped and molded in the hallways of time. Glancing up at Mark, she was still thinking. And perhaps such a person cannot be changed."

Reaching down Mark took her hand and squeezed it for classes to resume. The summer holidays were coming to a close. Misty would be back in the classroom on Monday, beginning her senior year at Mid-South University. Misty was ready for the school year to begin, however; facing her graduation, with no plans was a source of tenderness.. Looking at her hands, she thought of her degree in writing. Writing had become a way of life for Misty. She found herself rethinking the story line in her novel, as she sat waiting for the concert to start.

Looking up Misty found the the singer looking her way. Her eyes followed as the singer stood and began making his way toward the stage. The sound man must have gotten a silent message for the lights went dim as the singer was approaching the front.

Her heart raced with anticipation for this was the first time she had attended a concert. The sound from the band rang out all across the large auditorium. It’s me, it’s me, it’s me oh lord, standing in the need of prayer. Not my mother, not my father, but it’s me oh Lord…Standing in the need of prayer.

The words of Misty’s favorite song continued. Fascinated by his every move, Misty’s eyes carefully followed as the singer continued to make his way toward the front of the large auditorium, where his band was playing and singing. Misty was amazed that this singer had come to these Ozark Mountains. It’s not my brother and it’s not my sister, but it’s me, Oh Lord, standing in the need of prayer.¹ What could it all mean? Misty wondered. Almost as if responding to Misty’s question, Mark spoke for he too had been wondering at the sudden appearance of this singer.

Pointing to a group of service men seated near the front Mark went on. Two of those men are in my division.

A large number of service men, from all branched, were standing around. Some were in uniform, and others were in civilian outfits. A few of them she recognized as having been classmates in high school.

The band was still playing and the lights were flashing as the crowd began to focus on only one thing-this new singer. His white suit sparkled as though covered with diamonds. Dr. Abraham picked up his microphone with a sense of grace, stepped on the stage, turned, and faced the crowd. His guitar also glistened and sparkled.

Tonight is dedicated to all our men and women in uniform. Some are on their way home, some hope to be home, and some are home from where ever they happen to be stationed. The singer’s smile vanished as a more somber look came across his face. Dr. Abraham is from Kashmir, and even though he appears to be enjoying himself, his heart feels heavy. His heart has a journey of its own to make.

Lord, I am coming home. Dr. Abraham’s voice sounded shaky as he went right into the next song. He stepped closer to the front of the stage, causing the audience to start clapping wildly. His band joined in on the chorus. The singer stood straight and tall, handsome in his dark rimmed glasses. Coming home…coming home…Nevermore to roam; open wide Thine arms of love, Lord, I’m coming home.²

Tonight we wish to welcome home all those service men that are home to stay. I know some of you will be returning to Vietnam or other posts The concert was only beginning and Misty had tears running down her cheeks. Wiping her eyes, she turned away from Mark, hoping he had not noticed. She strained to hear above the roar of the crowd. She listened eagerly as the band joined in. Some people out on the floor were singing along as well. Without any warning, he stood perfectly still, holding his hand up high into the air above his head. The crowd became quiet as the music slowed down to a soft and gentle tune. The band members werey were each wearing suits of white with hats of blue. The red stars around the hats revealed the theme for the whole evening. Dr. Abraham continued to speak, his voice echoing throughout the building.

This time last year I was on a plane, coming from Bombay, India I was on my way to New York. Misty leaned forward, fascinated by his accent. I come from the tallest mountain in the world, but when I first arrived in the Ozarks last week, the thought of driving frightened me". The crowd was cheering even louder. Misty startled as balloons began popping nearby.

The band was beginning to play louder now. If you came here by car, by plane, by taxi, by train, or by a plain old Rickshaw, we are all here for a great reason. Dr. Abraham finally put his hand down to the side. We are here to remember our freedom and our country that affords each of us that way of life Misty’s impression of the singer’s dark wavy hair and the shape of his head, somehow reminded her of some island Prince.

The band was playing loudly again. The lights were again flashing. Misty noticed some camera crews approaching the front. The audience was perfectly still. Misty could feel the beating of the music in her chest. Dr. Abraham raised his hand high again. This night’s concert is to be in honor of Service men who have ever served, are serving, or are ever to serve in the armed forces of this great country. Misty’s heart was greatly touched by the moment Service men began to stand. Tears came to her eyes as she reached up and took Mark by the hand, for he too, was standing. She felt a great deal of pride well up inside her as Mark stood there, dressed in his Air Force Uniform.

People were standing all around the sides, looking for a seat. Mark was still deep in thought as he scooted closer to Misty and put his arm around her. Some are poor, some are rich. Mark was thinking as his eyes surveyed the crowd. And some are neither but they all have one thing that is mutual. Mark’s heart felt torn as he wiped away a tear, hiding it from Misty."

"All these are Ozark Mountain people and they are all bound together and surrounded by one bond…these Great Ozark Mountains. Dr. Abraham was speaking again.

This is a tremendous crowd. Mark was whispering into her ear. Mark’s face revealed his lack of intrigue. It is hard for me to believe he is here.

And in particular we wish to honor those serving right now in South East Asia; a place where our soldier is running down some dusty road, passing by a field of rubber trees, or making his way into a jungle.

All over the building people were standing. The first few rows of service men were standing in a position of a salute. The music was getting louder; however, the singer’s voice was loud and clear. Most of the service personal were Marines. Mark was an Air Force General, and proud of it. Misty’s heart started to race for she had not expected this song. This was a song her Mother dearly loved and had sung to her countless times.

Now I’m coming home. Even as he sang, the singer’s eyes seemed to be scanning the crowd, almost as if he were looking for someone in particular Dr. Abraham’s mind returned to the hospital, where his little patient lay in bed. Her little body weighed only 28 pounds even though she was nearly five years of age. Dr. Abraham also knew about the Nurse’s Aide who watched after Elizabeth day after day. As he glanced around the auditorium, Dr. Abraham somehow hoped to find this young woman here among the crowd.

Tonight the band seemed to be enjoying themselves, but Misty hardly even noticed, for her attention was on the singer. Misty’s heart welled up within her with pride as she glanced up at Mark. He stood tall and proud in uniform. Dr. Abraham’s heart was for medicine; however, could now feel himself moving in a different direction. Even he could not understand what was happening to himself.

This song is for each of our service men and each member of their families. Holding his hand up in the air, he began again to sing. Savior, like a shepherd lead us, much we need Thy tender care. The song continued. We are thine, Thou dost befriend us, be the Guardian of our way, Keep us and from sin defend us, seek us when we go astray. Blessed Jesus hear us when we pray."³

As the song ended, Misty’s heart was overwhelmed. Misty was uncertain about what feeling tomorrow might bring; but for tonight at least, she felt a great sense of pride to have Mark serving in the United States Armed Forces for her great country. Reaching over she squeezed his hand as he leaned over and kissed her. Placing their arms around one another, they stood as one. As for this moment in time, Misty felt her future was certain and she felt sure with whom she wished to spend it. The song had finished and the band was removing their hats, one at a time, and throwing them out into the audience. Dr. Abraham was once again raising his hand as if to quieten the crowd.

By the way, I am dedicating this next song to a young and beautiful lady in our audience tonight. A broad smile came across his face as his head moved from side to side. At least I hope she is here. The music had begun to play, softly at first,. She is a little patient of mine at the hospital and she has deep blue eyes and long blonde hair, and her name is Elizabeth. She is a brave little girl. For a fleeting moment, the singer seemed lost to a world all his own, but suddenly, he was back and playing softly. Misty was feeling a type of inner joy, some type of dream, trying to work its way to the surface.

I’ve found a friend in Jesus. He is everything to me. He is the fairest of ten thousand to my soul. He’s the Lily of the Valley, in Him alone I see all I need to cleanse and make me fully whole. Mark’s instincts told him there had to be something more lying beneath the surface of all this. Misty was caught up in the moment, feeling as though the song were actually dedicated to her. Shaking his head in an up and down circular motion, he continued to play and sing. Dr. Abraham looked sad as he went on. In sorrow He is my comfort, in trouble He is my stay. He tells me every care on Him to roll. He is the Lily of the Valley, the bright and morning Star. He is the fairest of ten thousand to my soul.⁴(4)

A large number of people were standing and clapping. Trying to speak, Dr. Abraham lowered his guitar. His voice was becoming difficult to hear above the noise coming from the back. Someone had a guitar and was loudly singing a song known as, I didn’t raise my boy to be a soldier.⁵ Dr. Abraham was trying to get control of the situation. Several protesters had gathered into a group and were trying to cause confusion.

I guess there would be no war if only mothers all over our world would say the same thing. I didn’t raise my son to be a soldier." Dr. Abraham was trying to appease the protestors as the security agents were moving in. Dr. Abraham, confused by all this, was searching the crowd as if wondering what to do. His face looked drawn and his hands were shaking, yet a part of him was back there in her hospital room. Even as he sang, his eyes continued to scan the crowd, wondering if the mother was out there. Finding the mother of this little child had somehow become an obsession with him. Finding her might bring the answer he had been looking for. By some fortune or misfortune, his whole world of medicine had become one with the future of this one little girl. Glancing up at Mark, she started to say something, but suddenly thought better of it.

The audience was cheering wildly. Moving closer Mark slowly placed his arm on Misty’s shoulders. Looking up into Mark’s face, Misty was again deeply touched, not only by his good looks, but also by his great sense of pride. Tonight he looked unusually handsome in his uniform, for he too had registered for the Service, and he had done so with a great deal of pride. As a member of the United States Air Force, he stood straight and tall. Misty’s eyes gleamed now as she looked up and shared a smile with her young man, a man she had known ever since coming to the Ozarks.

I have enjoyed being here tonight. Mark’s voice was shaky. All was quiet except for a few whistles from somewhere in the back. Misty, too had enjoyed herself.

Do you folks know how greatly blessed you are? He was walking back and forth across the stage. When my plane landed in Little Rock, I thought we must be lost. I have never seen all these colors.

Looking up at Mark, she shared a smile for they both loved this time of the year. When autumn comes, the leaves start their process of changing colors, dying, and then falling from the trees. Together they had raked leaves many times. Feeling a sudden closeness to Mark, she leaned into his chest and whispered to him. Let’s stay here until dawn!

That sounds good, but tomorrow is a big day for me.

Pretending to be hurt, she pouted, Hey, I thought you Air Force people could stay up till all hours.

Well, not this one. Mark laughed along with Misty but underneath he had some degree of uneasiness, a feeling which said things were changing.

Please, hold me close and never let go. Pulling her closer, Mark could sense an uneasy feeling growing inside her chest as well. Tell me…what is wrong.

Well…I…

You are not really sure, are you?

Misty found herself shivering. She had to answer No to his question. Hold me and promise me you will always be here.

Pulling her closer, he stared upward as though looking at the lights. You know, I remember when I first started thinking of asking you out on a date.

I was only fifteen when you asked me for our first official date. Thoughts of their early childhood woke up an amusing warmth she had always felt for Mark. He was running his hand through her long blonde hair. This has been a wonderful evening for me.

Yes, but Monday is back to school and…

Before she replied, the singer was beginning to play his last song for the evening. Things had now calmed down and security now had the protesters removed from the concert hall. Let’s not forget our service men and let us continue to honor them and their families. The whole crowd was beginning to stand. Most of us are welcomed into this country by the the most famous celebrity of all. We are welcomed by that hand that extends freedom for all. The singer was holding his hand upward as the band played softly. Even though the audience was standing, the place was an eerie quiet.

The money collected here tonight will go to help families of our service men, who are Prisoners of war or lost in the rice paddies of Vietnam."

Noticing some of the people were leaving, she began gathering up her purse and sweater, making her way slowly toward the entrance with Mark right behind her. I have had fun. Misty was speaking as she turned once more toward the front, taking one last look at the singer. Deep down she was fascinated not only by his singing, but also by something she could not explain.

Come on. Mark was pulling on her elbow. You seem rather taken by this singer. Is it his talent or his looks?

Oh, please. She pretended to be offended, but inside she had a warm feeling growing around her heart. Snuggled close to Mark, she rode home, in silence

Who might this patient be Misty was staring out into the darkness and did not hear any response even if Mark gave one. Perhaps it is my little patient whose name is Elizabeth." Her mind was deep in the past, searching around for a memory she had hidden away, or she thought. Misty drew in her breath sharply for she could see those tiny hands of a newborn, swinging aimlessly in the air. Placing her hand over her mouth, she tried hard to shut out the sound of those cries.

Misty. Mark was becoming alarmed. Startled by the sound of his voice, she turned to face him. Where were you?

A bit frightened Mark might have realized her thoughts, she struggled to say something. Well…not a million miles away. Actually, I was thinking about you and…

I know. Mark was pulling into her driveway and parking beside her Dad’s Ford Fair Lane. But let’s not think about that. Mark felt her heart beating unusually fast, and he couldn’t help but wonder just what she had really been thinking of all the way home.

Stepping from the car Misty felt an unusual heaviness to her steps. She wanted with all her heart to whirl around and reach out to Mark, but somehow she just could not. An empty feeling was bothering her, a feeling as if something was ready to change. Wanting to make a commitment, but knowing the morning light would only bring a change of heart, she slowly stepped inside and closed the door.

Sleep managed to escape her. Staring up at the high ceiling, she recalled the words to one of the songs. Misty felt drawn to this singer; although, she did not believe it was his dark skin, his accent, his white coat, or even his ability to sing that was drawing her attention. What is it? Misty continued to ask herself this same question. She could not understand what about this evening had brought out those feelings from long ago. Misty closed her eyes until sleep finally came.

Dr. Abraham continued to toss and turn in his bed early morning. He could sense himself being drawn away from medicine, and toward a career in music. Tonight had brought a new degree of hope to his heart, and a new found interest in his medical career. Finding the mother of his little patient had become a priority of its own. Dr. Abraham was finding his heart greatly drawn to this little girl. Elizabeth seemed to be the only link, holding him to his world of medicine. If only I could find her real mother. Maybe her motherly instinct would help. Dr. Abraham knew whatever the outcome, he must decide.

Glancing down at his watch he suddenly began to realize just what tonight had meant to him. The cheers of the crowds, the lights, and the cheers of the crowd continued to stir within long after the crowd was gone and the lights were out. Staring up at his hotel ceiling, he pondered all the events of the evening. If becoming a good Country and Western Star, meant becoming more American, he certainly had come a long way tonight. Tonight Dr. Abraham felt especially torn between two worlds. What had simply started as a hobby had exploded into a career. Part of Dr. Abraham wanted to rush back to the warmth and comfort of his home at the foot of the Great Himalayan Mountains and yet, the prestige, the power, the excitement, the lights, and the publicity all had a great hold on him.

Where will this all take me…and do I really want to go there. David sighed deeply looking up at the ceiling. David Abraham’s mind traveled back to the time and place he had left behind. Not only had he left behind his family, his traditions, the flora and fauna of his beloved country, but also a part of himself, it would seem. Every newspaper in the country had been printing stories of his success. It was almost too late to turn around, or was it? Truly America had brought to him new horizons, such as he had never dreamed. Along with his new success came a new feeling. This new feeling was pulling him in two separate ways.

Glancing at his watch, he thought of Monday and just how early he must be in class What does it all mean? He whispered to himself. His hand instinctively went to his waist as he suddenly realized his pager was not in place. How did I get through an evening without missing it? A different feeling was beginning to stir from within his chest. It was a sentiment, filled with purpose. Moreover, that purpose was to prove to himself, which was more important: medicine or music.

CHAPTER 2

Back to Campus

L abor Day had come and gone and most students had settled into his or her own schedules. The hallways were busy at Mid-South University. Students were rushing up and down the hallways, getting their business done.

What is wrong with you? Surprised by her roommate’s voice, she turned around.

My college major is of most concern to me.

And that is not all, now is it?"

Well, you look a little pale to me. Come on down to the dining room and I will fix you up. There is plenty of work left for you and me both to get done before this afternoon’s reception of faculty and staff. She was leading Misty along.

They had been best friends for two years now. You can help and give me a briefing on how things were going last night? You and Mark make a nice couple.

Patty, there is one more thing…

"That is what I thought

Well, see being a senior is part of it. I guess I am a little worried.

Why are you worried, my dear?

Trying to accomplish everything I have in mind.

Such as what.

Getting into the top ten percent of my class is one thing. The dining hall was getting busy. Scooting a chair out for Misty, she leaned down and whispered, By the way does Mark plan to teach a class here again this semester?

Not this semester. He is all prepared for his term in Vietnam.

"Being a pilot, how does he manage to schedule all his flights around time with you? Patty was trying to carry the topic of conversation on.

Actually, that is my main concern because he can get a call for Vietnam any time now. Misty tried to laugh but inside she felt that gnawing feeling again. Now can we please steer our conversation elsewhere? But inside she felt the growing fear of having Mark go away to a war which was being protested this very minute right outside the campus.

Speaking of schedules, isn’t yours plenty heavy? All your nursing classes, your Bible class here, and still you do work here in the Work Study Program.

Oh, I love being a hostess here. This way I keep up on all the latest gossip, not to mention, all the nice looking men I meet.

Standing, Misty reached for the napkins. Well, don’t just stand there. Give me all the necessary glassware, silverware, and napkins for these tables.

Now you know what all is involved in feeding all these hungry people. It was Marion, the cook. She had just entered from the street and stood, giving her usual hug and kiss to everyone.

You know Misty, one thing about Marion is she has a smile that can warm the coldest heart and cheer the most discouraged.

Yes, there is probably a line of perspective employers, standing outside her doorstep, reaching all the way to the airport.

Suddenly Patty whirled around. By the way, I had a nice message for you. There was a call for you at the apartment this morning from Central Airlines. I guess you left my number. You need to call them back.

Misty almost dropped a handful of silverware at the mere word Central Airlines. Putting it all down, she ran and gave Patty a big hug. This might be the answer to all my prayers. I have been waiting for months for this call. Misty had been saving her money for getting her novel published which was part of her graduate plan. This part time position with the airline would be just what she needed.

You have been waiting for what, for months? It was Mark. Have you been keeping secrets from me? Come on, are you going to fill me in or not? He had come by to attend the reception with her.

There isn’t much time, Misty. Some of us need a little more time than others. Then Misty was hearing her name. "Misty Rose, please pick up the nearest white courtesy phone nearest you. There is an emergency call for you. She felt afraid. Already a feeling told her the message was not going to be good.

Hello, this is Misty Rose.

It was her mother.

Are you alright? Her mom was asking.

Yes Mom. But the operator said it was an emergency.

"Yes, Misty. We have just admitted your dad to the hospital. He has had a small heart attack. Misty drew in her breath as if it were her last. Mark was holding her hand.

Mom, I will be right there.

I will drive you over. Mark was very quick to respond

Mom…Mark was repeating it over and over for he too treated her as a Mom. "Yes, I heard.

Will all personnel involved in today’s program please report to the auditorium immediately? The speaker continued to blare. And please find your proper seating right away. Thank You.

As Mark and Misty entered the chapel, she noticed Mark was hurrying her along to a special seat, it would seem.

Looks like we are in for a full and exciting program, Misty observed. I don’t suppose you had anything to do with us being seated together.

Oh, I just bribed an usher. Hey, look there is the new Dean of Students. His name is Dean Whitmore.

A quietness fell over the crowd. Glancing forward Misty noticed the President was now standing and ready to begin. The new semester was certainly under way.

"Faculty, staff, students, and friends here we are gathered once again in great anticipation of another year of learning at MCBU. As President of this institution, I am reminding you once again that our University is a Bible based university.

Misty continued to think back to the phone call. Her Dad was doing so well just this morning.

"Have a Bible. Keep it always at hand. Study it, reverence it, preserve it, and above all, turn to it for the answers to the great issues of life, which are bound to face you now and in the future. Solomon was not only a great Statesman, but he was also a great philosopher. Misty was only half listening. "Two of his most astounding thoughts I wish to impress upon your mind. First of all, the Lord by wisdom founded the earth, and by understanding he established the Heavens.⁶ Students, study hard. Apply yourself. Learn all you can. Retain as much learning as possible. Get wisdom and most of all learn how to use it. Remember to get understanding."

"My second point is this. Where there is no vision, the people perish (⁷). Please have a dream and keep it always in front of you. Strive for it and never give up. Statistics tell us that 25% of you will fall by the way side before the end of this semester. Please do not let it be you. Keep your objective. Have faith in yourself and let your dream push you along, forward, and onward to a successful graduation."

Misty’s mind trailed off. Oh, Dad, I hope you are o.k. He seemed to be doing well only a few days earlier. She still could see his face so clearly, trying to hide the tears as she was leaving. Telling him good-bye was never easy.

What was that? Mark was leaning close.

I was just talking to myself. As Misty’s eyes scanned the auditorium looking for the new professor, Misty was thinking of her Dad. Suddenly, her eyes located Dr. Abraham, seated on the front row. Just as her eye located the Professor, Mark’s eye caught hers. It can’t be. Misty looked up at Mark, whose face looked just as puzzled. Mark seemed to be more curious than interested.

This can’t be the same man. Mark seemed to be deeply considering the issue.

What do you mean? Misty was curious now.

So this is the new Professor. Mark made it sound more like a question.

Who could have guessed?

Yes, who could have guessed? Mark too was only half listening. My name is Dr. David V Abraham, he said placing a pen into his shirt pocket. And I am from Kashmir. He paused, surveying the crowd, almost as if searching for someone.

Summer was now officially over and this was the first day of school. While the Mid- Western weather was getting cooler outside, hearts were warm and renewed with a new vigor. Glancing down at her watch, Misty could feel a rush of fearful anticipation flow through out of her body. She was now officially a senior.

"Most of you know already that our University, for the first time will be having a school of medicine this semester. Even though his accent was heavy and his English was far from perfect, people were straining to hear. Every eye was on the speaker.

Standing on stage in his dark rimmed glasses, he looked so dark, so composed, so thin, and so much like a Professor. The man Misty had watched as he stood on stage the other night had disappeared, it would seem. The man standing up on stage at the concert had been a man propelled by lights and applause. This man was a humble man, a man with a shy and quiet spirit. Misty heard herself whispering, What a contrast!

That is why I am here. People began standing all over the auditorium. I have been elected to fill this position as professor of Medicine here. My degree is from Kerala Christian College of Medicine of Southern India and my specialized training is from Europe and America. His words sounded formal and matter of fact, but a degree of pride rang out as he uttered each word. It was getting difficult to hear for the audience was getting louder with their clapping. The ovation was a long one as pride and patriotism filled the air. One thing peculiar to this school seemed to be its sense of pride. The moment lingered. Here was a historical moment in the University’s history. Here was a new beginning, an accomplishment worthy of note. For the first time, medicine was becoming a part of this campus.

Dr. Abraham raised his hand as if to bring silence. This is quite an honor. He was shaking his head in a see saw motion. Please be seated. You Americans say that in 1492 Columbus discovered America. Well, in 1498, Vasco De Gama, a Portuguese Navigator, reached India. Turning to an overhead projector, he pointed to a region at the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains. "We do have something in common with you folks. Some of you may know that we too have snow in India. The word Himalaya actually means snow. These mountains run for 1500 miles between India and Tibet. Here lies the highest peak in the world, Mt Everest, which is about 29,002 feet high or about 8,800 miles high.

Near the foothills of these rugged mountains lies a most beautiful region of the East, the Vale of Kashmir. It was here that I was born, raised, and was fortunate enough to be able to attend medical school. It was here I owned a small clinic and served my people for a few years."

At this moment his facial expressin changed. It suddenly became abundantly clear that before us stood a man of complex values. Once again, the face of this man was complimenting what he felt inside of himself. His dream, that inborn desire, and that hope was stirring within the depths of his heart. After a few seconds of hesitation, he went on. And my dream is to one day bring new and advanced technology in medicine back to my people. You see, my country has an entirely different approach to medicine. Basically, our exams are performed physically, due to the lack of modern technology; and we are hoping to incorporate more of this concept into our programs.

Glancing down at his notes, he paused a few seconds. My specialty is medicine of the heart. His expression changed to one of seriousness.