The Girl with the Untied Hair
While working at a college, I was mentoring a group of undergraduate students for three years. Among them was a girl named Surya. She would often let her long, flowing hair fall loosely across her neck and over her chest.
One day, with gentle affection, I told her she’d look even more beautiful with her hair tied up. That small exchange became the beginning of a deep bond between us.
It was after that moment she began to open up to me.
She spoke of a small lump that had started to grow again—right where she had once undergone surgery at CMC Vellore. From then on, she trusted me completely, sharing her fears and hopes with absolute trust.
Despite countless trips to Vellore, battling fatigue and pain, Surya pressed on with her studies, determined to finish each semester. Her strength was quiet, and quite amazing. But by the time she reached her final semester, the lump had grown to the size of a coconut. Even the doctors at CMC had no more hope to offer.
She was losing her fight. I watched her fade.
Eventually, she became bedridden—days of suffering, nights filled with silent prayers. Until one day, she slipped away, leaving behind a silence I still carry in my heart.
I will never forget what she asked me (during my last visit), her eyes full of pain and wonder:
"Why does God allow such struggle?"
Unable to lift her head with the huge lump, she whispered,
"Even Christ’s passion lasted only one day."
Dear Mam,
ReplyDelete“The Girl with the Untied Hair” is a tender, heartbreaking tribute to Surya. It moved me beyond words. Surya’s strength, your compassion, and the sacred bond you shared are deeply touching. Her question, “Even Christ’s passion lasted only one day,” lingers in the heart, echoing the mystery of pain and the depth of faith.
You have always been a teacher who loves deeply and is deeply loved in return. Thank you for being the kind of mentor and teacher we all treasure.