A couple of days ago, Easter evening, my husband, 4 year old son and I were returning from a mall, happy with our shopping, time spent together, money spent easily... happy and content, enjoying the journey back home. At the signal (near Shozinganallur, OMR for the ones who want details), a familiar incident occurred. A bedraggled woman in tatters, holding a 6 months (or so) sleeping infant in her arms tapped on our window for some money. Without even glancing at her, I waved her on (I don't believe in giving money to 'organized' beggars). My son was perched on my lap (India, eh?!). And before we knew what was happening, he burst into tears, he "begged" his dad to give her some money. My husband relented and quickly passed on a tenner.
His tears continued. He wept for the woman and the child (who he claimed looked a lot like his 5 month old sister, we'd left at home). He couldn't believe the baby did not have a home. I did not help matters by trying to rationally explain that he baby was probably 'hired'. I made a colossal mistake asking my husband if thought the baby was drugged (as some infants are, and this one was unbelievably knocked out). We drove on in silence.
I thought the tears would cease.
I thought wrong.
I thought I could bribe him with presents to stop sobbing.
I thought wrong.
I thought I could distract him with iPhone apps.
I thought wrong.
My son refused his dinner that night. He changed into his night clothes and as is his night time routine, said his night prayers. To calm him down and deal with his fears, I asked him why he was upset (for the millionth time) and to my surprise he said "Amma, she doesn't have a house. The baby has no place to go, no milk to drink. If we don't help her, who will? I wanted to bring her here, but was afraid to ask you. You say it is always good to help others. Why are you not helping her?"
Out of the mouth of babies, eh?
My husband and I immediately logged into the site of SMILE foundation's, an organization we believe has well executed outreach programs.
It was truly humbling, an Easter revival indeed for us. A few organized begging syndicates robbed us of compassion, seeing poverty around us everyday took away the sting and pursuit of our life goals led us to wear blinkers. And here, a child, who has never seen anything less than luxury, crying for an unknown woman and child, refusing his food thinking of the baby's hunger and persuading us to do our duty towards the society.
Child IS the father of man.
Amen!
Out of the mouth of babies indeed. Jolts us into realization and action.
ReplyDeleteTruly, the child is the father of man. My princess too has been doing the same for the past few years now. She insists on helping. I have learnt to give in.
ReplyDeleteKids see with innocent eyes that's why there is so much goodness in all they do. I sponsor 5 kids via World Vision and I'm also a global parent from UNICEF. Good to see you going with SMILE. I believe in the flow of abundance.
ReplyDeleteThis was really touching ....brought tear to my eye . Bless your son for his compassion and your spirit too
ReplyDeletesometimes its children who teach us Life's greatest lesson !
ReplyDeleteThought provoking :-) And I was swooning all along at what the son was saying! Some sentences hit hard - Yes, we are robbed of our compassion! Glad to have passed this way. I love your posts.
ReplyDeleteLaxmi
So touching to read about ur kid cuckoo
ReplyDeleteYa children some times teach us
May b the child was drugged but must have been in a pitiable stage too . Don't know . I too don't believe all beggars but some times genuine people also have to face the wrath
Children are so sensitive and perceptive! True child is the father of man!
ReplyDeleteMeera, This is a tough one. Now as a standard practice, we carry food in the car- and we are forever distributing apples, chocolates or biscuits to the kids/ adults.. This I think is an acceptable compromise- I agree with you that giving money always makes me wonder what its getting used for..
ReplyDeleteMeera, I was touched to read about your Easter experience. Surely that is an instance of hope. It speaks highly of what a good job you and your husband have done in raising him up. His sense of compassion is something that all of us can learn from. I too am guilty of looking the other way when beggars tap, assuming the babies are hired and doped. Lovely post indeed.
ReplyDeleteAww...Such a touching emotion. I wish the innocence of the child keeps brightening your day.
ReplyDeleteHis heart is in its nice place and empathy is not taught. Kudos to him.
ReplyDeleteYour post moved me very deeply.....Please give your son an extra hug tonight and tell him that he has such a wonderful, little (big!) heart!
ReplyDeleteMoving.
ReplyDeleteHow the innocence of a child can teach us-the grownups so many things. Hats of to your son. May god bless him always.
Gosh, I tried commenting thrice and each time it goes to an error page saying something is broken.
ReplyDeleteTouching post, Meera. God bless your son!
Moving.
ReplyDeleteHow the innocence of a child can teach us-the grownups so many things. Hats of to your son. May god bless him always.
With kids, we mistake that we are the teachers but in reality, it is us who learn every day.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the warm story.
With kids you learn everyday.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the story. Touching revelation on a festival day indeed!
So very touching! I have tears in my eyes thinking how sweet and caring your little boy is! God bless!
ReplyDeleteAwww how sweet and sensitive is your kid! I hope he was ok the next day! Big hug to him and may he keep this side of him intact even when he grows up :)
ReplyDeleteWow.. what compassion at a young age.. a lot of credit to the parents too for sure :)
ReplyDeleteGreat story. You should be so proud. Your little one has mastered something that so many adults still don't understand...compassion for fellow man, woman, and child.
ReplyDelete