Oldie’s motivation to the youth of today (21st August 2011)
It was a very depressing Sunday for me last week as I was tensed about my job and few things that were not working out right. But as I was already committed to Umang’s event of visiting old age home in Mulund East, there was no point carrying the prolonged dejection. I was looking forward to that evening optimistically because I was going to spend quality time with the old uncles and aunties residing there. My main intention after entering the premises was to see their smiling and satisfied faces.
All the volunteers were present at the Old age home arranging speakers, gift wrapping, mike testing and loading food items etc. Gradually aged crowd started gathering in the hall. Everyone had a smile on their face and they welcomed us with open arms, which made me feel pleasant. We began with singing songs which was followed by playing entertaining games. All the old uncles and aunties were given gift hampers which amused them.
We had birthday celebration as a part of our program. We distributed birthday caps to them and while giving one to an uncle, he jokingly inverted the cap and said, “The cap is empty, can I get bhel or chana in it? I laughed and said, “I will get it next time when I come.” He said, “Next time get something filled in this for sure”. That time I realized that jokes apart, but what they need is care and attention which they might possibly be deprived of. We had three of them who had their birthdays in august, so we cut the cake, cheered, clapped, sang birthday songs to make their evening, a perfect one! We served them with snacks,cake and later dinner.
Post snacks session, we had arranged Housie for them. Each volunteer was assigned to each uncle and aunty out there. I was with the same uncle with whom I shared that joke. We both were very excited about winning something-either fastest 5, first, second, third row, four corners or ultimately the full housie. As the game proceeded, all the other participants bagged different prizes and now only Full housie was remaining. Uncle lost hope as the numbers that were called out were not at all present on our housie ticket. I was still very keen and kept on assuring uncle that we will win the full housie. Suddenly one full housie prize was given away and then I thought there is no way we can win. Still I thought ‘we are not the Indian team that got whitewashed in the recent series, but we will play like the Indian team at World cup’. I kept telling myself that I have to win this game not for me, but for uncle. I hoped and suddenly saw that we won the full housie. Uncle won the gift hamper and was extremely ecstatic to have it.
The most touching and encouraging part was when the uncle said that ‘this hamper belongs to you as you had all the determination, eagerness and hope to win the game’. That sentence was an eye opener for me and I realized that I had my self-confidence and willpower to combat all issues around me, just for a moment it faded away. Uncle really gave me a sense of motivation which I will always remember.
When we really put all our efforts into something, we can surely immaculately achieve our goals. If these kinds of fortune games can be won on willpower, problems in life can surely be fought and sorted as I believe that “Life is what we make it!”There are moments when we miserably fall and experience adverse situations. There are failures and lulls, but God has left upon us how well we bounce back to reform and restore our lives.
I thank God for adding such a delightful and motivational day in my life.
