Triumph of Will

Shiela Mirani: Standing tall

Every morning Mary Kullu had been coming to the Garden, methodically balancing a white chair on one shoulder and holding the shoulder of an unsteady Shiela Mirani with the other hand. Shiela is a paraplegic, recovering from a crippling paralytic attack. Her legs are still wobbly. So she needs that chair to be seated while exercising. This has been her practice, every day, from the time she joined us on November 24, 2014.
Today, her caregiver did not have to bring that chair. In less than two months, Shiela had mustered the confidence to stand on her feet and exercise like the rest of us.

Jane Rodwell exercises with us

At times, when her legs give way, Mary steadies her from behind. Even more excruciating for her is the act of raising both arms above her head.
We could see that the right arm was particularly bothersome and it needed to be lifted by her left arm. There were times when Srichand Arora would walk up to her in the middle of the exercises, encouraging her to raise the lifeless limb, inch by inch. “Yes, you can do it!” he urged. Clearly, she was in great agony but she kept at it, not giving up. And with every bit of success, we rejoiced silently in our hearts, careful not to appear patronizing or make her self-conscious.
But today, when she pulled off some of the most challenging exercises, standing up without support, we could not help congratulating her.

Jane Rodwell with the founders of Big Laaf

Many of us were in tears watching her struggle with her limbs. She responded with a shy ‘Thank you’. It made our day. For in her hour of triumph perhaps, somewhere we too can claim some credit. She trusted Big Laaf to be patient with her and she got the platform to test her will power.
The other big news of the morning was the visit of Jane Rodwell from Suffolk, U.K. Now how do you describe her? Global citizen, fitness aficionado extraordinaire, accomplished dancer, a qualified chef, ex-airhostess, swimming instructor, yoga practitioner, pilates expert… Suffice to say, Monthi Serrao’s niece’s mother-in-law. When we invited her to join us for tea after the exercises, Shekhawat was to show his true colours: “Whiskey?” he suggested, eager to demonstrate his hospitality. “Red wine?” “Sparkling wine?” he insisted in all innocence, amid roaring laughter all around.
Thank you Monthi, for introducing us to such an extraordinary person.
Jagmohan Papneja:
Mrs Shiela Mirani has been wise enough to choose/ join Big Laaf to enjoy good health and overcome her disability. The exercises have helped her incrementally in gaining muscle strength and boosting endurance. If she continues to come regularly and attend all the exercises, her recovery will be enhanced.
Kiran Prakash:
We assemble every day for the exercises which are mostly followed by eats and tea. But today, we learnt an important lesson of life. These two ladies, without talking much, have conveyed that each one of us has the potential to achieve whatever we desire. Let us move a step forward in following their example.
Harish Wadhwa:
Kudos to Ms Shiela Mirani for her strong will power and motivation. It is her inner strength which could make all this happen. Big Laaf is only a facilitator. Both she and Jane are a source of inspiration for us. I salute the two women, for setting up such a good example for others on how to lead a good life despite all odds.
Vijay Mirani:
I am so thankful to Big Laaf for the support and motivation my mother has derived. Not only has it encouraged her but it has very well added a new dimension to her life -- so much so that now she encourages and motivates me to maintain a healthy lifestyle and exercise regularly. Thank you for all the support. --A Proud Son