Relationship, at 60.

Continued from I, at 60

Before starting this story, I must admit, I have been accompanied by a brother before birth till today - a pair of twins. We are hardly comparable in any way or let me say, we are totally different in nature, look and attitude - we are always available to each other.

I had parents to guide me till 60, of whom I lost my mother a month back. My father is always available with his viewpoint to guide me in need on any issue with clarity of thought and without forcing to follow the same. I understand it as a great luxury many do not have.
I consider myself proud head of the family comprising of my wife Dr Bhavana Desai (Devyani), daughter Vaishali (Vaishu) and son Rahul (Ravi). I can feel myself to be secured because of them and Deval (my nephew). They are the pillars of my life supporting me morally and physically.

When I talk about my friends and relatives, I have a list of 700 to say. Answer to your inquiry about the said number is that I invited those in my daughter Vaishali's wedding.

1. Friends during primary, high-school, college. Medical and postgraduate studies.
2. Friends during my stay at Abrama, Parujan, Mehmedabad, Killa-Pardi, Umbergaon, Navsari and Bilimora.
3. Friends of medical faculty in general and Ophthalmology in particular.
4. Friends of Anavil Samaj, Medical Association, Lions club and such other organizations.

I had the option of making a wide-open big group and small closed narrow group of friends, I opted for later.

Have I friends who can be of help if the need arises? The answer is big YES. I can assure myself about this.

I can not but mention the name of Dr Lakshman Solanki as my best friend.

Articles, in this series:

• Money, at 60
• Medical Practice, at 60 and
• Death, at 60