One Friday Evening That Changed Me
[Originally Posted by Sanjay Mudnaney]
On Friday evening, as I was driving back home, I noticed a family with a child under the flyover just next to SEEPZ. The winter chill had hit Mumbai and it was the coldest day of the season. Everyday when I drive back, I see this family that stays out there in the open and even cooks food there. Sometimes one of the family members will beg for money from the cars that drive by. I don’t think anyone gives anything and mostly no one even notices them. I too would see them daily, and would would feel sad for them but did not know what I could do to help.
This particular day was very cold, and I saw the child coughing very badly. She did not even have any winter clothes -- just a T shirt in the biting winter chill. The mother picked up the child and put him down on the road under the flyover and wrapped him with a cloth but the child was crying. Although I drove on, I was quite disturbed by this sight. All along, I continued to think about how I could've helped. When I reached home, I asked wife if we had any warm clothes and sure enough, she pulled out some woolen sweaters. We also had a spare woolen blanket. We also went down and purchased a sweater for the child. Then, I went to the chemist and purchased some medicines for the child as well.
I drove back to the place. I was not sure of how the family would react but somewhere in my mind I had that feeling that they would ask for money. I had certain images I held of people who begged on streets. I went and met the family and they were surprised to find that someone had come out to talk to them. No one ever saw them. I gave the woolen clothes to the mother, and I also offered the medicines for the child. I spoke to the mother, as she informed me that her daughter had become weak and wasn't eating . As I was speaking to them, I saw they were people just like me -- except that they were born into a difficult circumstance and I had been lucky.
As I was walking back to my car, the mother looked at me and said, "thank you". I was very surprised. I had expected they would ask me for money, but they did not. There was just gratitude that someone had in the winter chill came to be with them.
I cannot even describe the experience of what I felt in that moment.
I now know clearly that I am connected to that family. I know that one small act cannot change the world, but I know that what matters is what I choose to do in the moment. There may not be any big stories of making a difference, nor any heroic efforts. But that doesn't matter. What only matters is whether I chose to walk away or whether I chose to engage.
Posted by Sanjay Mudnaney on Jan 22, 2014 | permalink
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nisha wrote ...
Thanx much for sharing this Sanjay. One of the wee winter mornings, while the homeless people were still asleep on pavements, a bunch of friends and kids pulled secret blankets over them. The next day, someone from this group was passing by the same place and was surprised to see an old man with broken spectacles caressing that blanket in the middle of the day. Like Nipun said, these little engagements speak to their faith in humanity. And to me, your family's effort to connect with another is nothing less than heroic.
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Riddhi wrote ...
Aap unki ankho me dekh paye or jo khushi Mili hogi us ka andajaa aap hi lagaasaktehi
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Bhuvana wrote ...
Thank you for sharing this experience Sanjay. I too pass so many people in need everyday . Like you I feel bad but move on. Your act of courage and kindness has made it possible for me to do something no matter how small. You gave freely but also connected with the family in need. That is truly beautiful! Thank you for inspiring me.
Nipun wrote ...
Powerful experience, Sanjay! Not only did you have the eyes to see the need, but also had the courage to stay in touch with that part of yourself as you returned back from home. While the family was no doubt moved by your material offering, I bet part of the "thank you" was because they were moved by your love. Thanks for sharing.