In August 2014, a traumatic event changed KS Sheeja’s life forever. Her son, a budding mechanical engineer, suffered a grave motorcycle accident in Coimbatore that nearly cost him his leg.

This moment of crisis pushed Kerala-based Sheeja and her family to temporarily relocate to Tamil Nadu for his treatment, requiring them to stay there for 1.5 years. Away from their home in Kerala, the family settled temporarily near the treatment facility. Their days now centred around hospital visits and endless treatments.

Burdened by the emotional toll of her son’s accident, Sheeja found herself seeking solace and hope amidst despair. It was in these challenging times that she discovered a new passion that would bring peace and purpose to her life: gardening.

The 53-year-old began to experiment with planting small vegetables around the villa. She found comfort in the rhythmic tasks of nurturing plants, and witnessing their growth brought her unexpected joy and healing.

“The sight of sprouting seeds and blooming flowers became a source of hope, a reminder that life could continue to flourish despite adversity. As tomatoes and other vegetables sprang to life, I realised that my newfound hobby provided me more than just sustenance; it was a lifeline,” she shares.

A commitment to learning and growing

With only a 12th-grade education, Sheeja initially managed a computer education centre for nearly 25 years. But life’s unpredictable twists led her down a path she never anticipated — one where grief, resilience, and passion for gardening would intertwine.

© The Better India