The Secret behind their smiles…
I want to share a story today, a story of resilience and the continuous pursuit of happiness. This story gives me hope and has been a source of motivation whenever life seems difficult.
Let’s begin…
I grew up in a small town and I had a fairly simple and fuss-free life as a kid.
When I was 12 years old, my family moved to our own home from a rented one. My dad himself envisioned, designed and styled the new home. It was a proud feeling for him and all of us alike.
New locality, new friends, bigger spacious beautiful home — we were having the best time of our lives.
As much as, me and my brother were excited about making new friends, my parents were also meeting new people, socializing, and trying to get to know the locality.
During that time, they happened to meet a couple — Mr. Maan & his wife (name changed). They must have been in their mid-30s. Very attractive, fit, jolly people with a traditional background and simple mindset. My parents and they connected immediately. They used to visit us often. I have never ever seen them without a smile on their face till today — a smile which comes from deep & genuine happiness with one’s life.
I would often think how lucky Mr. & Mrs. Maan must be that they always remain so happy.
As I grew older and started going to college, one day I asked my mom what is their story? (Their happiness is infectious. There is a warmth and brightness in their smiles which stays with you long after you have met them)
Mom said, “Mr. and Mrs. Maan are trying to conceive and are seeking treatment for that”. I was shocked to know that. They seemed perfect and happy by all means to me and they were dealing with such a big problem for over 10 years!
“But I have seen a young boy and girl living with them, aren’t those kids their children?”, I asked my mom.
“No, they are Mr. Maan’s sister’s children, a few years back she & her husband died in a car accident. Now, Mr. & Mrs. Maan are raising those kids”, mom said.
“Whoa, it must have been so hard for them!”, I said.
I had a newfound respect for them that day. Their life was far from perfect, but their attitude towards it, it was amazing, almost unbelievably perfect.
Years passed by, Mr. Maan’s niece and nephew graduated from college, got married, moved on with their individual lives.
And then, something great happened!!
After 18 years of marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Maan were blessed with a baby girl.
A few years later they were blessed with twin baby boys.
They became a family of 5 after 20 years of married life. After they had successfully and selflessly raised Mr. Maan’s niece and nephew.
What was the reason for their happiness then and what is the reason now? I think sometimes.
They are lagging behind all their peers in terms of how old their children are. They lived without a child of their own for so many years after marriage. Mr. Maan had to bear the loss of his sibling at a young age. Mrs. Maan had to play the role of a mother to someone else’s kids. That too while dealing with the pain of not being able to have children of her own.
None of this is easy to deal with. There are umpteen examples out there where people have thrown away everything they had because they could not deal with situations like these.
But what kept Mr. & Mrs. Maan going?
What did they do differently that life smiled back at them and bestowed them with 3 beautiful, healthy children?
How do they remain so fit & sane that they look half their actual age?
I often wonder…
Maybe, all these years, they have just been happy because they were alive. They understand and believe that “Life” is in itself the most precious gift from God.
Maybe, the reason for their undying spirit is contentment. From having a purpose of their existence. Being able to raise those innocent kids, being able to provide a safe & secure environment to them. Being able to comfort them when their parents were taken away by God at such a young age.
Maybe, what kept them going was the fact that they valued their health and fitness which in turn gave them the confidence to have children at a later age. The self-belief that they could provide for them even in the later years of their lives.
Or may be it is simply a story of great understanding, trust & communication between two people. Two people who understood the value of self care when faced with challenges. And most importantly found joy in togetherness.
I am not sure. But their life is an inspiration for me.
Did it inspire you too?
Until next time,
Stay happy! Stay healthy!
