Inspiration


There is a boy, Haizad, who leads a simple life but he has a rich dream. Born with a united heart family and since little he learn the term of hardship. To earn not by just asking for it, but work for it. It’s not a child labor but he earns it by doing well in his studies.

His dad is a hard worker. He would do anything for his children. In his mind, all he prioritized is his children’s needs. Whatever he do it, he do it for the sake of his children. He always reminds his children to not be like him. He doesn’t want them to live the way he used to live.

He shared his stories…

“When I was at your age, I work before I go to school. Carrying a basket filled with curry puffs and kuih muih, shouting around the villages, ‘Kuih Kuih! Curry puff! Curry puff!’ Who doesn’t know the boy who sells curry puff and kuih muih. Your grandma’s kuih muih and curry puffs are known around the villages you know.

And last time, my life was difficult, who else is going to help grandma if not us? Who else is going to give us pocket money if we don’t help grandma? It was really difficult and I didn’t get to pursue my studies further. Grandma had to support us seven siblings altogether by herself. Each of us had to take turns every morning and when we’re home from school at night we have to prepare the ingredients for tomorrow sell.

We realized our fate of living; therefore, we siblings are the strength to endure each day’s perseverance. Like a saying, ‘When we are one, we are unbreakable. But if one is down, then we are breakable.’ This is our strength throughout the years and up till today. We are one heart and always take initiatives. If we see the house is in a mess, don’t wait for others to do it, you just do it. Cos remember, it is your house and you won’t lose anything if you were to do it. You’re energy is not wasted but appreciated. And we must always help each other regardless in need or not because we are family.”

Haizad learnt not only the values of life but the moral of living in this life is not easy. He keeps reminding himself that life is not a time to waste with carefree mind but to live it to the fullest.

His mother once told him about how’s dad at work and he sat and listened attentively that in his mind, it was playing about how his dad is at work.

“You’re father is very stubborn at times, he wanted to work for two shifts a day. He wanted to work from 8am to 1pm then from 3pm to 1am. I’m worried about him at times. Well, he’s doing it for his children; he would go extra miles for them for his children education needs. I’ve always wanted to change the spoilt washer but still your dad keep on saying the same old song, “wait”.

Why? Because he is saving the money to buy for your sister’s laptop and her school needs. Then he will buy the washer. Still, it is not enough yet. Even during his off days, he will work. He asked for O.T. He will only take an off day when his children are on school holidays. He works like a machine just for his children needs. When you are out in a camp, he is the one who misses his children more. He says “It is odd isn’t it? One of our children is not here with us, I wonder if they have eaten or not. I wonder if they are sleeping in comfort. I wonder.”

Your dad’s dream is to see his children be successful in life. What we have for you is not wealth, but education is what our might is to give you. So do well in your study that’s the only way to show your gratitude to his hard work.

Do you know that when you and your siblings get into Polytechnic tertiary schools, he was the happiest man that he shared with his team at work? When you achieved something at school he will praised his children and only God knows how happy he is. Cos he knows what he has been striving for is fruitful.

So don’t take it to heart when you dad keeps reminding you about studies and the future are difficult. He wants the best for you and he works hard for you and your siblings.

Bu his arm starting to hurt, I’m worried it may get worst. I and your dad have been working hard since we are young, younger than you. We know how tough life is then, that is why we don’t want our children to face the same. We want our children to live in convenience. We care for you more than we care for ourselves. We love you more and when we worries, that means we don’t want to let even a thorn nears you. That is how strong our love is for our children. Our children are our only pearls of life.”

Upon hearing what she has said, Haizad reflected how enduring and how fury the love of his dad is, yet at times children tend to take for granted of their kindness and love. Some felt ashamed when the parents being too protective in front of the friends. Or when a mother wanted to give a kiss to the son and he might be ashamed with his friends, afraid to be called “Mummy’s boy.”

So Haizad think through, why some children should feel that way whereas their parents have been supportive and always pray the goodness for them? Indeed it is rather sad to see some children segregating from the family. Especially when they are rude to their parents, they forgotten the respect for the elderly.

“And your Lord has commanded that you shall not serve (any) but Him, and goodness to your parents. If either or both of them reach old age with you, say not to them (so much as) "Ugh" nor chide them, and speak to them a generous word.”

(Surah Al Isra’; 17:23)

He hopes and prays that they soon realized how precious being one with a family is.

In life, there are so many things to learn, observe, realized, to think, to experience, to love and to value what has been set for us and created around us. But surely what Haizad won’t forget what his parents have always told him to keep in mind is to never forget God, Allah (Glorious and Exalted is He), and don’t miss his prayers and supplications.

“Remember Me, I will remember you, and be thankful to Me”

(Surah Al Baqarah; 2:152)