Echoes of Giving: From Forgotten Acts to Unforgettable Bond

The other day my son forgot about his homework. I instructed him to call his friend for assistance . I dialed the number and handed the phone to him. Despite being talkative he struggles with serious conversations, especially when asking questions.

He started talking to his friend and asked the homework related question. I told him that he was not asking the question appropriately and it wouldn’t make sense to his friend. He still couldn’t ask the question aptly to get the required answer. Subsequently, I had intervene and speak to his friend myself to get the required answer.

After the incident, I shared my concerns about my son’s communication hesitation with my brother. To my surprise, my brother reminded me of a similar incident when I had helped him talk to a friend. He said to me, “Do you remember I once called my friend for certain help and I had difficulty talking to him. Then you took the phone from me and got the problem solved.”

Despite his detailed recall I couldn’t bring traces of any such occurrence to the surface of my mind.

It was not the first time he reminisced about the moments I supported him. He often shares various instances of my assistance though I struggle to recall those specific memories.

Interestingly, I remember several instances when he extended his help. I can confidently say that there hasn’t been a single instance when I sought his help and he declined.

My brother is not the only one who recalls about the memory of assistance. At times, my friends also recall the memories which I barely remember. Nevertheless, I remember several instances when their helped saved my day.

Realizing the simplicity of giving I have realized that the most meaningful contributions often transcend the material abundance. In this realm of giving the giver may easily forget, for the act doesn’t demand much from them. However, the receiver remembers, as the significance and value it holds for them make it a memorable and worthwhile experience. Sharing words of encouragement, engaging in a brief yet genuine conversation, and offering assistance in daily tasks can create ripples of positivity.

Building on this realization I have also gained insight into the importance of intention and underlying emotions in giving. I categorize giving into two broad groups: One driven by sincerity and love; the other stemming from obligation with a sense of sacrifice.

Occasionally, don’t we find ourselves enclosed in situations where giving feels obligatory? In such instances, we give not out of genuine willingness but due to a perceived force. This type of giving lingers in our hearts as a regret. Conversely, giving done with love radiates positivity. It is this second type of giving that is forgotten by the giver.

So far as the question posed by @dreemsteem in the recent contest post is concerned, I am unable to specifically answer what I give this week to my teem or others. However, it is certain that whatever I offered was driven by love. There was hardly any material object but some small gestures like a listening ear, a genuine conversation and the words of encouragement. In return, the same has come back to me.

As I pen down these reflections, I am reminded that in the symphony of life, it is the subtle notes of kindness and support that compose the most harmonious melodies. As we navigate the nuanced dance of giving, let’s aspire to infuse every act with the sincerity of love, for it is the type of giving that echoes in the hearts of both the giver and the receiver.

This post is my participation for Dreemport’s contest

Image from pixabay by Darkmoon_Art