Duties performed without expectations bring unexpected rewards

The will that reads “I give a small sum to Frontier Lifeline Hospital (Dr KM Cherian Heart Foundation), as a thanks for the open heart surgery performed on me by Dr Cherian. The receipt of Dr Cherian or other proper officer of Frontier Lifeline Hospital is to be good receipt to my executors”. 

In 1990 Mr Barker, from London, came to India with a leaking heart valve and was advised immediate surgery. He was worried about postoperative care and the incidence of drug resistant MRSA infection prevalent in England then. Many patients requiring major surgery sought treatment abroad due to this. 

Mr Barker’s desperate online search identified Frontier Lifeline Hospital, Chennai, as a safe place. He was impressed with Dr Cherian’s 25 years of experience in Open Heart Surgery. Mr Barker had his surgery and was discharged on the 6th day. He spent 10 days at Fisherman’s Cove before returning home. Though he was a beneficiary of NIH, his surgery was still cheaper. 

In May 2016, after signing an MoU for mechanical artificial heart ‘SPUTNIK” in Moscow, Dr Cherian visited his friends in London. When Dr Cherian mentioned Mr Barker’s will, they insisted that he should meet Mr Barker. They fixed an appointment at his residence in Saxmundham, Suffolk county to the North of London. After a long journey covering 130 miles, involving two train journeys and a drive in a taxi, Dr Cherian met a happy Mr and Mrs Barker. 

A healthy Mr Barker promised to meet Dr Cherian in Chennai soon. Dr Cherian welcomed him to another relaxing stay at the Fisherman’s Cove but did not mention about the will. 

Mr Barker then said, “My family doctor told me, Beautiful repair done in India – The perfect valve. I had no postoperative complications. My quality of life has been excellent after surgery. I’ve seen a friend struggling throughout his life with postoperative complications and various heart issues after a similar surgery. I know it is your work that made the difference. So, in order to show my gratitude, I have named you in my will.” 

Though touched, Dr Cherian refused to accept it as he had just done his duty. He explained that two hearts could behave differently after undergoing similar procedures. However, Mr Barker was adamant. He could not be moved to changing the will. Dr Cherian relented, but insisted that he would accept the money only to use for charity purposes. 

If we do our work perfectly, it touches others beneficially and returns in unimaginable ways to us. How true! Luck or fortune will run to those who do their duties as Thomas Fuller says, “Care and Diligence bring Luck”