Salma lives in a North American city with her family. She works as a self employed with a very flexible schedule. Her schedule is always very light on Fridays because she always wanted to have some time for herself and family, and so goes to a coffee shop on Friday mornings immediately after dropping her daughter in school. She likes to have her breakfast outside of the home on Fridays and also to hang around there till noon.
On this beautiful Friday morning , she bought her tea and a sandwich and sat at her usual corner on a table made for four. She enjoyed sitting there because it’s a more comfortable seat which enables her to work on her computer, but she always welcomed anyone who wanted to share the table with her. This is not very common with Americans. Every one loved their space and they never encouraged anyone to share their space. In about half an hour after Salma had finished her breakfast, a lady suspected to be in her mid thirties entered the shop and was looking for a seat that could take seat three people. She was with an elderly man and a woman. In her usual practice Salma asked if she wanted a seat. The lady said yes and Salma invited her to seat at her table. The lady held the elderly man and she helped him to seat opposite Salma. The elderly woman sat beside Salma and the lady sat opposite. The seniors both made a greeting sign by waving at Salma. They do not speak English. This conversation ensued between Salma and the lady.
The lady: Hi. Thanks for inviting us to seat with you
Salma: Hi. How are you doing
The lady: very well thanks.
The lady was looking so happy and radiant. She brought out three wrapped sandwich from her bag, unwrapped each one and gave to each of the seniors. She left hers on the table and went to get coffee. There was no line and she came back in about 2 minutes with 3 cups of coffee for each person. She was so happy, likewise the seniors. They were speaking their local language. Within a few minutes, Salma noticed the relationship between the lady and the seniors and she couldn’t hold back to let this lady know how much she loved her noticeable great relationship between her and her parents. Salma interrupted their conversation.
Are they your parent Salma asked
Yes they are, replied the lady. I usually pick them from their house and spend time with them like this on a regular basis. She continued.
Salma: Do you live around here.
No. She replied. I live about 40 minutes away, but they live around the corner.
Salma. Wao. This is very good and kind of you. Some people need to learn this.
The lady: Yes you are right, but this is very normal from my original country.
Salma. I pray that your children do the same for you.
The lady: amen. That is very true. She narrated ” A few weeks ago, my 7 year old daughter watched me as I rubbed Vaseline on my mother’s hand and massaged it. I did not notice, but she came to me a few days after, rubbed Vaseline on my palm and massaged it. She said to me ” I saw you do the same for grandma and that is why I am doing it for you too. This really touched me and I learnt a good lesson too.
Salma was very inspired and she asked the lady for her name and number.
My name is Zulikha and here is my number.
Zulikha was translating some part of the conversation for her dad, who admitted that Salma was a nice lady, having invited them to seat with her and also being friendly with them. He said in their language, anyone who show mercy to others will have God’s mercy . He prayed for Salma and they were ready to leave now. Zulikha exchanged pleasantries and had a warm goodbye!
Lesson learned
1. Make time out for your parents, no matter how old they are. Be kind to them.
2. Be patient and happy when you are with them. You will make them very happy.
3. Be accommodating to others in public places, we will leave everything behind except our good deeds.
4. Strangers are friends you have just met and may be friends you will ever meet.
Dear God! Grant us the heart of kindness towards our parents and make our children replicate us in good deeds. Have a blessed weekend as we make out quality time for our parents
