Joy is the name of my twenty-seven year old Jade bonsai. I have personified ‘Joy’ as a human being. He was twenty-five years old when I had first seen him. He was gifted and indeed one of the greatest gifts I have ever received. Initially, I had no bond but a fascination towards him. Joy is a succulent plant with beautifully shaped small green leaves. Well pruned, base perfectly covered with moss grass, a beautiful tray garden and 2 artificial stone birds complemented his look. I was not well aware of his requirements. I thought of him as a ‘showpiece’, which added beauty in the corner. Albeit, I used to take him out for sunshine and water him, yet all these things did not suffice. Soon, his leaves dried out and the condition turned out to be precarious. I recklessly added soil and manures to cure him without knowing the real cause and effect. By that time, I don’t know but I had effortlessly developed a bond with Joy, something that was just felt. I was not ready to give up on him. And so, his health was a matter of great concern for me. I researched and surfed on the internet, gathered all the information and all the knowledge. Now well equipped, I began with little pruning, watering and removing the unwanted stuff that I added stupidly. Covered the base back with the moss grass (this prevents erosion).

The monsoon was approaching. And then, one fine day, I forgot to keep him under the shade and he was left under the open sky. Joy received the first shower of rain. The touch of rain healed his leaves, the soil and him, as a whole. No wonder, what my care could not do, the rain did. This is the power of nature, the power to heal which is not at par with ours.