5. Ba's unusual capacity to bear suffering

Once, when Bapu was staying in Johannesburg, Ba suffered from bleeding. A friend in Durban suggested an operation. But she was too weak to withstand the effects of the chloroform. However, ultimately she agreed to have the operation, even without the chloroform. Referring to this Bapu said one day to Mahadevbhai, "At the time of the operation I stood a little away from the operation-table. I was trembling. The surgeon's knife was at work. Ba's face visibly showed how much she was suffering. But not even once did any cry of pain escape her lips. I could not bear the painful sight, though outwardly I went on asking Ba to keep up her courage."

Thereupon Mahadevbhai observed, "It was, indeed, a miracle of human capacity to bear suffering."

Bapu rejoined, "Yes, anyone else in her place would have raised such hue and cry. But Ba showed exemplary calm and courage."