I always have a tendency to have conversations when I am on a taxi as it helps me to kill time and take my mind off things. This morning I started my asking my usual questions to the driver
He shared with me that he is an Indian but converted to Islam after marrying his wife. He is now divorced, children do not care for him and he has just recovered from the chickungunya. He suffered terribly from the disease alone and in silence for almost more than a month. Only his brother came down from Melaka several times to take him to the hospital for treatments and follow-ups. A neighbour, an elder woman helped him by buying food for him. He drives the taxi long hours as he does not want to go to an empty house. He said he has few friends. He really sounded pathetic and haggard.
He told me his brother has been advising him to come to back to Melaka and start afresh there. I advised him that it really a good idea to do so. He should just forget his past and move on. He should take up new hobbies and do new things which will interests him and deviate his thoughts. It is better for him to be surrounded by loved ones though not his wife or children but with of his brothers as he would need their strength and encouragement.
He told me that his brother advised him to marry again. He said he in not in favour of that idea at his age of 55. I told him that happiness could come in so many forms beside marriage. He should take care of health first and venture into other things.
He said whatever I said is true and wished there were people around him to motivate him like this.
He asked me whether I was married and I told him I am not. To his further question I told him I lived in Klang with my parents but work in KL.
To add more creditable to my advise, I told him I am a cancer survivor and now live my life the way I want it. I do not give too hoods for what the society thinks. God had given me a second change and I must make full use of it. I said I go for short holidays and engage in activities that gives me simple pleasures.
When I revealed this, he actually turned back and had a good look at me. I said God has given him a second change and he too must be grateful and live to the fullest. I said that he must love himself first and be positive as only then good things will come his way.
As we had reached the office, I wished him all the best and he thanked me once again for my advice.
Well I hope what ever I said will do some good for that poor chap.
There are times when we are so low in self esteem and feel so lost, God sends us messages even through total strangers. It is up us really whether we want to take the advice and move on with our lives.
Only when we look at others are we thankful and grateful for the things we have. And not to forget this God in HIS own way sends people to us to constantly remind us we should be content with what we have..
