Laddoos are often associated with a sweet distributed at a happy event signifying the beginning of a new journey. However, that was not the case here.
A doctor was given four laddoos by the wife of one of his patients. The laddoos were given on account of the patient's birthday. It did mark a 'new beginning' in a way, but for his patient, Paul, it was a new beginning for his journey to eternity.
Dr. Cyriac Abby Phillips is a well-known and award-winning hepatologist currently practicing as a senior consultant hepatologist and physician at Rajagiri Hospital in the Aluva City of Kerala. Dr. Phillips has treated many patients throughout his decorated journey. However, the case of his patient Paul has been forever etched in his mind.
Paul suffered from severe alcohol addiction for the last 15 years. Dr. Phillips didn't leave a stone unturned in Paul's treatment. However, Paul went into relapse and was diagnosed with severe alcohol-related hepatitis. Paul sadly passed away 18 days after his diagnosis.
Three months after Paul's death, his wife and children came to meet Dr. Phillips on account of Paul's birthday. The sweet gesture was made even sweeter after Paul's wife gifted Dr. Phillips with three laddoos. The three laddoos symbolized one laddoo from Paul's wife and his two daughters. However, that led Dr. Phillips to think about the 'fourth laddoo.' The laddoo that he never received. The laddoo that Paul might have offered had he not passed away.
"But all I could think about was that fourth Laddu. The one I never received from Paul, because he died. A woman lost her husband, two bright young children lost their father. All three lives are broken and a void that can never be filled."
Dr. Cyriac Abby Phillips
The heartbreaking story is a perfect representation of the infamous doctor-patient relationship and the addictive nature of alcohol. However, the story touches on the two parallels of death, yet seeing light at the end of the tunnel as Paul's wife and daughters look to rebuild their lives.
Incidents like these have left Dr. Phillips shattered as he never advises even the occasional consumption of alcohol. He has seen many families get "shattered into a million little pieces" due to alcohol.
MedBound Times was fortunate to get a chance to interview Dr. Phillips and ask about his professional life, his critical views of alternative medicine, social media, and much more. You can find both parts below.
(Input from various media sources)
