The entire nation was in a deep state of shock and disbelief, and perhaps still is, when former Bollywood actress Sonali Bendre, on July 4, announced that she has been diagnosed with a 'high-grade' metastatic cancer.
The 'Sarfarosh' actress is currently undergoing the excruciating treatment of chemotherapy in New York but her friends, fans and family members are ensuring that she does that with a smile. She has been sharing constant updates about her battle with the disease with hashtags like 'Switch on the Sunshine' and 'One Day at a time'.
She recently took to social media to share what was the moment like when she first broke the news to her 12-year-old son, Ranveer Behl. In the poignant post written by her, Sonali reveals how she and her husband Goldie Behl mustered the courage to tell their son about the deadly disease and why it has proved to be the best decision of her life.
Here's what she wrote :
"From the moment he was born 12 years, 11 months and 8 days ago, my amazing Ranveer Behl took ownership of my heart. From then on, his happiness and wellbeing have been the centre of anything Goldie Behl and I ever did. And so, when the Big C reared its ugly head, our biggest dilemma was what and how we were going to tell him.
As much as we wanted to protect him, we knew it was important to tell him the full facts. We’ve always been open and honest with him and this time it wasn’t going to be different. He took the news so maturely… and instantly became a source of strength and positivity for me. In some situations now, he even reverses roles and takes on being the parent, reminding me of things I need to do!
I believe that it’s imperative to keep kids involved in a situation like this. They are a lot more resilient than we give them credit for. It’s important to spend time with them and include them, rather than make them wait on the side-lines, not being told yet instinctively knowing everything.
In our effort to protect them from the pain and realities of life, we might end up doing the opposite.
I’m spending time with Ranveer right now, while he’s on summer vacation. His madness and shenanigans help me #SwitchOnTheSunshine. And today, we derive strength from each other #OneDayAtATime"
Sonali's post is indeed a lesson in parenting. All those who think their children are not capable of fathoming the 'truth', give them a chance. Because, if nothing else, they deserve to know the truth.
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 "Sonali Bendre with her son Ranveer Behl")
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