My early Days Part 2

What a contrast

Karachi Grammar School was indeed a far cry from the beautiful and picturesque Aitchison College. For me it was a ugly piece of structure situated in the middle of the city. For me it was my second visit at Grammar School as I had also gone to nursery here before leaving for Lahore. My oldest and best friend was Karim who was with me throughout Grammar School. I really enjoyed his company and he was the one to introduce me to other students. The level of studies was higher than what it was at Aitchison particularly English. After having changed schools frequently, it was natural for me taking time to get used to the standard of studies and the environment. As far as sports were concerned it was a rude shock for me and would be an insult if compared to Aitchison. There was just one ground full of dust which was used for sports. What a contrast.

Wearing a Brace for my Back

By that time in Grammar, I was beginning to have back pain and there was a curve in my back. I used to go to England for my check up and I was told by the doctor there that I would be needing surgery for my back. On the day I was to have the surgery, the doctor changed his mind and cancelled the surgery. He said that the surgery was too risky and one patient had lost his life during surgery. It came as a surprise to me, as I was all ready for the surgery. Having been in the hospital for 4 to 5 days, I was finally discharged and was told I would have to wear a brace for my back . The brace would prevent the curve I had from getting worse. The brace was made in England and I had to give my body measurements. I was told I would have to wear it for majority of the day and would be able to take it off while sleeping which was a relief.

Getting used to the Brace

I noticed that with the passage of time and towards the end I used to wear the brace while going to school and took me some time to get used to it. It obviously meant that I would not be able to play outdoor sports anymore, as running around with the brace on was not an option for me. It indeed was very frustrating for me to see other students play sports. It did take me some time to get over it and my ambition of becoming a sportsman was shattered. Managing at the school with my brace on was not easy to do and it did require a lot of understanding from the other students. Going up the stairs was a big hurdle for me with the brace on and overcoming it felt like as I had achieved something. I went on to wear the brace for 3 to 4 years and slowly got used to it wearing it at school. It greatly helped my curve in the back from deteriorating but what was to follow was something totally unexpected.

Towards the end of my school days, I was beginning to have problems walking. It was getting increasingly difficult for me to keep my balance. My parents got worried and decided to take me to England to show the doctors. After examining me I was diagnosed with having a disease known as Friedrich’s Ataxia. It was a very rare disease in Pakistan. How was I going to survive in Pakistan on a wheelchair?

My early Days Part 2

What a contrast

Karachi Grammar School was indeed a far cry from the beautiful and picturesque Aitchison College. For me it was a ugly piece of structure situated in the middle of the city. For me it was my second visit at Grammar School as I had also gone to nursery here before leaving for Lahore. My oldest and best friend was Karim who was with me throughout Grammar School. I really enjoyed his company and he was the one to introduce me to other students. The level of studies was higher than what it was at Aitchison particularly English. After having changed schools frequently, it was natural for me taking time to get used to the standard of studies and the environment. As far as sports were concerned it was a rude shock for me and would be an insult if compared to Aitchison. There was just one ground full of dust which was used for sports. What a contrast.

Wearing a Brace for my Back

By that time in Grammar, I was beginning to have back pain and there was a curve in my back. I used to go to England for my check up and I was told by the doctor there that I would be needing surgery for my back. On the day I was to have the surgery, the doctor changed his mind and cancelled the surgery. He said that the surgery was too risky and one patient had lost his life during surgery. It came as a surprise to me, as I was all ready for the surgery. Having been in the hospital for 4 to 5 days, I was finally discharged and was told I would have to wear a brace for my back . The brace would prevent the curve I had from getting worse. The brace was made in England and I had to give my body measurements. I was told I would have to wear it for majority of the day and would be able to take it off while sleeping which was a relief.

Getting used to the Brace

I noticed that with the passage of time and towards the end I used to wear the brace while going to school and took me some time to get used to it. It obviously meant that I would not be able to play outdoor sports anymore, as running around with the brace on was not an option for me. It indeed was very frustrating for me to see other students play sports. It did take me some time to get over it and my ambition of becoming a sportsman was shattered. Managing at the school with my brace on was not easy to do and it did require a lot of understanding from the other students. Going up the stairs was a big hurdle for me with the brace on and overcoming it felt like as I had achieved something. I went on to wear the brace for 3 to 4 years and slowly got used to it wearing it at school. It greatly helped my curve in the back from deteriorating but what was to follow was something totally unexpected.

Towards the end of my school days, I was beginning to have problems walking. It was getting increasingly difficult for me to keep my balance. My parents got worried and decided to take me to England to show the doctors. After examining me I was diagnosed with having a disease known as Friedrich’s Ataxia. It was a very rare disease in Pakistan. How was I going to survive in Pakistan on a wheelchair?

My early Days Part 2

What a contrast

Karachi Grammar School was indeed a far cry from the beautiful and picturesque Aitchison College. For me it was a ugly piece of structure situated in the middle of the city. For me it was my second visit at Grammar School as I had also gone to nursery here before leaving for Lahore. My oldest and best friend was Karim who was with me throughout Grammar School. I really enjoyed his company and he was the one to introduce me to other students. The level of studies was higher than what it was at Aitchison particularly English. After having changed schools frequently, it was natural for me taking time to get used to the standard of studies and the environment. As far as sports were concerned it was a rude shock for me and would be an insult if compared to Aitchison. There was just one ground full of dust which was used for sports. What a contrast.

Wearing a Brace for my Back

By that time in Grammar, I was beginning to have back pain and there was a curve in my back. I used to go to England for my check up and I was told by the doctor there that I would be needing surgery for my back. On the day I was to have the surgery, the doctor changed his mind and cancelled the surgery. He said that the surgery was too risky and one patient had lost his life during surgery. It came as a surprise to me, as I was all ready for the surgery. Having been in the hospital for 4 to 5 days, I was finally discharged and was told I would have to wear a brace for my back . The brace would prevent the curve I had from getting worse. The brace was made in England and I had to give my body measurements. I was told I would have to wear it for majority of the day and would be able to take it off while sleeping which was a relief.

Getting used to the Brace

I noticed that with the passage of time and towards the end I used to wear the brace while going to school and took me some time to get used to it. It obviously meant that I would not be able to play outdoor sports anymore, as running around with the brace on was not an option for me. It indeed was very frustrating for me to see other students play sports. It did take me some time to get over it and my ambition of becoming a sportsman was shattered. Managing at the school with my brace on was not easy to do and it did require a lot of understanding from the other students. Going up the stairs was a big hurdle for me with the brace on and overcoming it felt like as I had achieved something. I went on to wear the brace for 3 to 4 years and slowly got used to it wearing it at school. It greatly helped my curve in the back from deteriorating but what was to follow was something totally unexpected.

Towards the end of my school days, I was beginning to have problems walking. It was getting increasingly difficult for me to keep my balance. My parents got worried and decided to take me to England to show the doctors. After examining me I was diagnosed with having a disease known as Friedrich’s Ataxia. It was a very rare disease in Pakistan. How was I going to survive in Pakistan on a wheelchair?

My early Days Part 1

Childhood

My childhood was very enjoyable and I had a lot of fun. Being the only child of my parents meant that all the attention was on me, which had it’s advantages as well as disadvantages. Before my schooling began I remember we spent time in Rawalpindi. We had a house there and I remember having a dog there. From the beginning I loved having dogs and I would say, my interest in dogs came from my father, uncle and grandfather. They all loved keeping dogs. All my family used to go for trips to Muree quite regularly and have a great time there.

I remember beginning my schooling in England and going there for around 6 months before coming back to Pakistan. I went to Karachi Grammar School on my return and it was considered very difficult to get admission there. I was beginning to like it and get settled, when I got to know that we including my parents had to move to Lahore. I did not know at that time that my time spent in Lahore would turn out to be the most memorable time of my childhood.

Time spent at Aitchison College

First of all I had the opportunity of going to one of the top schools in the country called Aitchison College. My love for sports began at Aitchison, as it without a doubt had the best sporting facilities in the country. The picturesque cricket, football and hockey grounds were a treat for the eyes. I too immensely enjoyed playing all sports including tennis, table tennis and swimming. I vividly remember the days when I used to play cricket and tennis at Aitchison. My recent visit to Lahore and going back to Aitchison for giving a motivational talk certainly brought back all the good old memories. It was a very nostalgic and special occasion for me. As I stood to speak to more than 500 kids out there, I could recall the time when I was a student there. It is hard to describe how I felt when I got a standing ovation after I had completed my talk. All I can say is that it was my most memorable talk yet. Aitchison without a doubt is the most beautiful college in the country and I consider myself fortunate enough to have studied at Aitchison.

Living with my Grandparents in Lahore

Spending time with my grandparents who used to live in Lahore was another reason for my having so much fun in Lahore. I remember my grandparents having a big house in Lahore and I used to go regularly to spend nights at their house. My cousins who were also in Lahore, would also come over and we would have a great time together. I remember playing a lot of cricket in Lahore at my house with my cousins, friends and helpers. Cycling was also something I used to enjoy a lot and the freedom I used to get from riding it was exceptional. I also remember once during cycling my eye got injured and got a black hole around it. Everyone at home really got worried, telling me not to cycle again, which I could not do as cycling had become my first love. wLike I said I always loved keeping dogs and during my stay in Lahore, I had a dog by the name of Timmy. I used to take him for walks, take him for a ride in the car and he always used to sleep in my room. I became very close to him and could not think of living without him. All these pleasures and various interests in life made my stay in Lahore such a memorable stay. Above all Lahore was so green, picturesque and scenic. Sight seeing was a must there with so many historic sites located there. Time just flew and before long I knew it was time to head back to Karachi.

Lahore is my hometown and will always remain in my heart. I always try to visit Lahore once a year and it always relives my past memories. Coming to Karachi which was completely different compared to Lahore with it’s fast paced life and people always on the go. In Lahore you will find people very laid back and warm. People always taking time out to meet you where as it is quite the opposite in Karachi. It did take me a while to get used to the life style in Karachi.

My early Days Part 1

Childhood

My childhood was very enjoyable and I had a lot of fun. Being the only child of my parents meant that all the attention was on me, which had it’s advantages as well as disadvantages. Before my schooling began I remember we spent time in Rawalpindi. We had a house there and I remember having a dog there. From the beginning I loved having dogs and I would say, my interest in dogs came from my father, uncle and grandfather. They all loved keeping dogs. All my family used to go for trips to Muree quite regularly and have a great time there.

I remember beginning my schooling in England and going there for around 6 months before coming back to Pakistan. I went to Karachi Grammar School on my return and it was considered very difficult to get admission there. I was beginning to like it and get settled, when I got to know that we including my parents had to move to Lahore. I did not know at that time that my time spent in Lahore would turn out to be the most memorable time of my childhood.

Time spent at Aitchison College

First of all I had the opportunity of going to one of the top schools in the country called Aitchison College. My love for sports began at Aitchison, as it without a doubt had the best sporting facilities in the country. The picturesque cricket, football and hockey grounds were a treat for the eyes. I too immensely enjoyed playing all sports including tennis, table tennis and swimming. I vividly remember the days when I used to play cricket and tennis at Aitchison. My recent visit to Lahore and going back to Aitchison for giving a motivational talk certainly brought back all the good old memories. It was a very nostalgic and special occasion for me. As I stood to speak to more than 500 kids out there, I could recall the time when I was a student there. It is hard to describe how I felt when I got a standing ovation after I had completed my talk. All I can say is that it was my most memorable talk yet. Aitchison without a doubt is the most beautiful college in the country and I consider myself fortunate enough to have studied at Aitchison.

Living with my Grandparents in Lahore

Spending time with my grandparents who used to live in Lahore was another reason for my having so much fun in Lahore. I remember my grandparents having a big house in Lahore and I used to go regularly to spend nights at their house. My cousins who were also in Lahore, would also come over and we would have a great time together. I remember playing a lot of cricket in Lahore at my house with my cousins, friends and helpers. Cycling was also something I used to enjoy a lot and the freedom I used to get from riding it was exceptional. I also remember once during cycling my eye got injured and got a black hole around it. Everyone at home really got worried, telling me not to cycle again, which I could not do as cycling had become my first love. wLike I said I always loved keeping dogs and during my stay in Lahore, I had a dog by the name of Timmy. I used to take him for walks, take him for a ride in the car and he always used to sleep in my room. I became very close to him and could not think of living without him. All these pleasures and various interests in life made my stay in Lahore such a memorable stay. Above all Lahore was so green, picturesque and scenic. Sight seeing was a must there with so many historic sites located there. Time just flew and before long I knew it was time to head back to Karachi.

Lahore is my hometown and will always remain in my heart. I always try to visit Lahore once a year and it always relives my past memories. Coming to Karachi which was completely different compared to Lahore with it’s fast paced life and people always on the go. In Lahore you will find people very laid back and warm. People always taking time out to meet you where as it is quite the opposite in Karachi. It did take me a while to get used to the life style in Karachi.

My early Days Part 1

Childhood

My childhood was very enjoyable and I had a lot of fun. Being the only child of my parents meant that all the attention was on me, which had it’s advantages as well as disadvantages. Before my schooling began I remember we spent time in Rawalpindi. We had a house there and I remember having a dog there. From the beginning I loved having dogs and I would say, my interest in dogs came from my father, uncle and grandfather. They all loved keeping dogs. All my family used to go for trips to Muree quite regularly and have a great time there.

I remember beginning my schooling in England and going there for around 6 months before coming back to Pakistan. I went to Karachi Grammar School on my return and it was considered very difficult to get admission there. I was beginning to like it and get settled, when I got to know that we including my parents had to move to Lahore. I did not know at that time that my time spent in Lahore would turn out to be the most memorable time of my childhood.

Time spent at Aitchison College

First of all I had the opportunity of going to one of the top schools in the country called Aitchison College. My love for sports began at Aitchison, as it without a doubt had the best sporting facilities in the country. The picturesque cricket, football and hockey grounds were a treat for the eyes. I too immensely enjoyed playing all sports including tennis, table tennis and swimming. I vividly remember the days when I used to play cricket and tennis at Aitchison. My recent visit to Lahore and going back to Aitchison for giving a motivational talk certainly brought back all the good old memories. It was a very nostalgic and special occasion for me. As I stood to speak to more than 500 kids out there, I could recall the time when I was a student there. It is hard to describe how I felt when I got a standing ovation after I had completed my talk. All I can say is that it was my most memorable talk yet. Aitchison without a doubt is the most beautiful college in the country and I consider myself fortunate enough to have studied at Aitchison.

Living with my Grandparents in Lahore

Spending time with my grandparents who used to live in Lahore was another reason for my having so much fun in Lahore. I remember my grandparents having a big house in Lahore and I used to go regularly to spend nights at their house. My cousins who were also in Lahore, would also come over and we would have a great time together. I remember playing a lot of cricket in Lahore at my house with my cousins, friends and helpers. Cycling was also something I used to enjoy a lot and the freedom I used to get from riding it was exceptional. I also remember once during cycling my eye got injured and got a black hole around it. Everyone at home really got worried, telling me not to cycle again, which I could not do as cycling had become my first love. wLike I said I always loved keeping dogs and during my stay in Lahore, I had a dog by the name of Timmy. I used to take him for walks, take him for a ride in the car and he always used to sleep in my room. I became very close to him and could not think of living without him. All these pleasures and various interests in life made my stay in Lahore such a memorable stay. Above all Lahore was so green, picturesque and scenic. Sight seeing was a must there with so many historic sites located there. Time just flew and before long I knew it was time to head back to Karachi.

Lahore is my hometown and will always remain in my heart. I always try to visit Lahore once a year and it always relives my past memories. Coming to Karachi which was completely different compared to Lahore with it’s fast paced life and people always on the go. In Lahore you will find people very laid back and warm. People always taking time out to meet you where as it is quite the opposite in Karachi. It did take me a while to get used to the life style in Karachi.

Hala: A dear friend and my best physio

Besides swimming I also used to go to the gym. The gym contained a variety of exercise’s including weights, cycling, push ups and rowing. I used to enjoy going to the gym and made a number of good friends over there. There was a girl who used to be the trainer at the gym by the name of Hala and she would go on to become a very close friend and would assist me a lot in my struggle for getting fit.

My introduction to Hala

It all started at the gym where she would help me with a number of exercises and would show me how to do them. She introduced me to the recumbent bike and asked me to use it regularly with the help of other attendees. The bike helped me to lose a lot of weight as well as making my legs stronger. I was doing other exercises as well told by Hala which included using weights, abdominal push ups and holding the bar for my back. My progress was going well and Hala was happy with it.

One evening while I was at the gym Hala suggested that she can do physiotherapy with me at my house. Hala was a certified physiotherapist from the States. She clearly could see that I required physiotherapy for ataxia which I had and it would go a long way in helping me. I was very excited and thrilled about the idea of Hala coming over for physiotherapy.

Before Hala I did have a local physiotherapist who tried his best and also helped me to walk using the parallel bars which I had at home. Clearly he was no match for Hala. I did physiotherapy with Hala for over a year and it was excellent. We used to do different types of exercises including ball work, lying down exercises, hand movements, neck exercises and also some yoga poses.

Later on we also did walking using the parallel bars but Hala told me that my legs were not strong enough to walk and required further strengthening. She believed we needed to do pool therapy also, where I would be doing various exercises in the pool including swimming. Hala would stand by the pool and monitor my workout.

By coming for physiotherapy to my house Hala and I became very good friends. We used to go for lunch, meet at parties and I would call her at my birthday party as well as at dance balls at Sindh Club. I remember at a birthday party at the club, I made a speech in which I thanked Hala for her tremendous help and effort.

It indeed was one of the most enjoyable and memorable time for me when I used to be with Hala.. She would always used to take special care of me when we used to go for lunch or at a late night dance party at the club. Hala was extremely popular at the gym in Sindh Club and had a lot of friends outside the club.

I used to go to the gym after having physiotherapy in the morning and it was quite tiring. I would say that while doing my exercises with Hala my fitness was at an all time high. My body would be in perfect shape which would really have a positive impact on me and make me very motivated.

Being with Hala always used to make me very happy and I will admit having a crush on her. She told me that she would be leaving for the States along with her parents. It indeed was sad to see her leave, although she did leave me a physiotherapist who was obviously not good as her.

The Club also had a farewell dinner for her where I was invited also. It was very enjoyable and a few of my gym friends were also there. Hala had promised to do meditation with me and a couple of days before leaving she did that with me. It was so relaxing and I really enjoyed it.

I had promised to take her for lunch before she left which we went after meditation. I had also got to know one of Hala’s very close friends known as Faroukh, who went to become a very good friend of mine once Hala had left. The time I spent with Hala was definitely one of the highlights in my life so far.