We all stand on the shoulders of giants – whether we realize it or not. If we see further – if we achieve more – if we live meaningful lives – it is in large part due to those that came before us.
This is the first article in a series of articles intended to show gratitude to giants – in the sense of giants referring to those who came before me and have inspired and helped me somehow which I see now in retrospect. The smallest acts of kindness – listening with empathy – can go a long way. Looking forward my intent is to make you reflect on whether you can be a giant to others. Maybe others can climb onto your shoulders – those close to you and even perfect strangers? Maybe this is what philanthropy – the love for humanity – is?
My Father – My Giant
My father – Saleem Aslam Chaudhry – does not know I am writing this article. He is a giant of mine. I am human. Imperfect. My father is human too. Imperfect too. I am not stating otherwise. What I am saying is that my father is a giant of mine and that I surely stand on his shoulders.
“Thank you, abu (father). I love you. I could not have wished for a more loving father than you”.
Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it’s called the present.
Present 1 – Help Others
Growing up I often witnessed my father help others. In itself that is not out of the ordinary. Over the years I have come to realize that some of these helpful acts were not at little expense to my father in terms of time given / spent, in terms of money given and it came at a cost psychologically and maybe even physiologically. But he did it anyway and still does. There are fortunately an abundance of examples of human beings helping each other – even if they themselves do not have much to spare. I salute all of them and try to follow their example – just a little bit – every day. Maybe you can help someone else in the present?
Present 2 – Unconditional Love for Our Children
Growing up I was never in doubt that I was loved by my father (or my mother). Every day I got hugs and kisses – and I can still vividly recall how I very often took a nap on top of my father with his arms wrapped around me. My father owned a company where he sometimes worked nights as well. When he was preparing to leave for work just before my bedtime – I would cry – even though my mother was staying at home with me. The feeling of my father leaving me while it was cold and dark outside was heartbreaking to me. So my father chose to stay at home with me for a few hours – losing money – until I had fallen asleep. Today I strive to do the same with my children. I tell them at least once a day that I love them – and I always insist on giving them a kiss and a hug when we are to be apart. I also tell them that I love them no matter what. I believe that I must love my children unconditionally. After all, I brought them into our world. I believe all children deserve unconditional love from their parents. If you have children do you believe that your children deserve unconditional love from you – and if so – what do you do to make them feel your love – every day – in the present? Can you do something right now? What can you do right now?
My father – my giant – has given me many more presents – but that is for another day.
Who are your giants?
Have you told them what they mean to you? A simple thank you will probably suffice.
Are you someone else’s giant?
Mark J. Chaudhry
14 July 2020
Sources
References
Philanthropy:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philanthropy
Standing on the shoulders of giants:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standing_on_the_shoulders_of_giants
Photos
Photo of boy on his father’s shoulders by Kelli McClintock on Unsplash