Strength of the Mind

I always think of my brother when I feel low or when I’m upset about something. He was just 16 when the tragedy struck him. Doctors diagnosed him with Alopecia (loss of hair leading to baldness) and the chances of his recovery were almost negligible. His problem was very acute as he had lost all facial (eyebrows, eye lashes, hair on scalp) and bodily hair (this condition is known as Alopecia universalis). Imagine what thoughts must have ran through the young mind of a 10^th grade teenager when he was given the options of wearing a permanent wig or using an eyeliner pencil to draw his eyebrows every day. A shiver rolls down my spine everytime I try to put myself in his shoes. Teenage is the most enjoyable period of a person’s life because one is totally carefree and has so many dreams and aspirations to work on. Instead of dreaming about girlfriends he was probably thinking about how to dodge the constant question that everyone had about his apparent looks. We, as a family had decided early on that we were going to treat him like nothing had happened. We had to be strong so that he could fight the sympathatic attitude of the world. Had it not been for his motivation and strength of perseverance, he would have become anonymous in this ruthless world long back. I thank God everyday for giving him the serenity to accept his condition, the courage to face the world and the wisdom to emerge a true winner. Today, after 5 years of constant struggle, my brother is a scholarship holder in his college, got a job in the first lot of the brightest students of his batch and has the biggest social circle (of both boys and girls) amongst boys of his age.

My parents had left no stone unturned in trying to get him cured. They tried everything: right from discussing his condition with the most experienced doctors , performing all kinds of rituals that anyone and everyone suggested, fasting for his fast recovery to going to saints and priets. Though these constant trials on my parents behalf might have helped but I would still say that it was his humility and spirituality that helped him sail through this ordeal.

We all need to realize that the only solution to lead a happy and healthy life is to keep working hard towards our goals without getting discouraged by failures or adversities. This can be achieved only if we keep ourselves constantly motivated. I derive my daily dose of motivation from this courageous boy who stood the test of time with utmost strength, determination and positivity.

For Reference (As taken from the internet)

Alopecia universalis is an uncommon form of alopecia areata. Alopecia areata is hair loss of unknown cause, characterized by round patches of complete baldness. Alopecia universalis, which presents itself as the loss of hair over the entire scalp and body, is an autoimmune disease, in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles. While there is neither a cure for alopecia areata nor drugs approved for its treatment, some people find that medications approved for other purposes can help hair grow back, at least temporarily. Since the hair follicles of individuals with alopecia universalis remain alive, hair regrowth may occur even without treatment and even after many years.