But have you ever walked an extra mile to be there for someone – a friend,
parent, relative, spouse or a special someone – and that person didn’t even
notice the pains you took for them?
We do a lot of juggling in our daily lives
for our loved ones – maybe not move heaven and earth every day – but then again
there is no need to be so dramatic on a regular basis. However, we do make
small sacrifices and adjustments to make life easier for the ones who matter.
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For example, a mother who wakes up half
hour earlier than usual to make fresh breakfast for her kids, instead of
serving packaged food; a father who works half hour more in his office so that
he does not have to carry work home and can give undivided attention to his
kids; a friend who sets aside half hour every day to craft a thoughtful,
handmade wedding gift for another, instead of buying something off the shelf,
or more conveniently, online; a spouse who doesn’t buy the gadget he/she
wanted, to scrape just enough money to take his beloved on that dream holiday;
or a child who makes sacrifices in his/her personal life to be with an ailing
parent.
As you read this, you may either identify
with one or come up with your own story of a sacrifice you make on a day-to-day
basis., none of which is easy. In each scenario, it is a matter of persistent
struggle and perseverance. What makes it worthwhile is the smile on your
beloved’s face, or the knowledge that you could share some of their burden and
bring joy to them.
Some struggles are not made on a daily
basis. It may be a one off thing, for instance, finding time from your busy
schedule to make a house call on that friend who needs a shoulder to cry on. It
may require you to put aside your own pain to be there for that friend or loved
one.
However, more often than not, the
people-who-matter don’t acknowledge your efforts. They are quick to point out
your failings rather than the many things you made possible. And if they do
notice how hard you try to be there for them, they don’t say anything. What
makes it worse is that an outsider sees and appreciates your struggles, but not
your loved one.
As a mother, father, spouse, child or
friend, when we walk that extra mile, it is not for any accolades or material
gifts or praises. We just want the people who matter to take cognizance of our
pains and acknowledge them and maybe when the time comes, return the favour. That
in itself is our ‘Thank you’.
