Honoring My Ancestors

Lately, I've been reflecting a lot on my ancestors - the wars they fought, the threats they survived, the pain of being separated from loved ones. These thoughts remind me of the immense sacrifices they made for their children and grandchildren. It encourages me to always do the right thing and never compromise my morals. After all, it's because of their hard work and selflessness that I'm here today. Failing to live up to my potential would be a dishonor to their legacy.

I'm proud of my mixed Malay and Indian heritage. My paternal grandfather, in particular, was a role model for me - a disciplined, hardworking man who rarely missed a day at the office, even exercising until the day he died at 86. Like many before him, he left his ancestral home in Gujarat to seek a better life in Malaysia.

My grandparents were not only hardworking, but incredibly selfless. They would often eat just rice and curry so that my father and his six siblings could share the only piece of fish. And when it came time for my father to study overseas, his older brother sacrificed his own education to help support the family business, so that my father could afford to go.

On my mother's side, the story is equally inspiring. My mother was drawn to music as a child, but her strict, no-nonsense grandfather saw piano lessons as a luxury they couldn't afford. Still, he found a way to bring an old grand piano into their home, so that my mother could at least have the instrument, even if she couldn't take lessons. Years later, that same piano became a daily part of my childhood, introducing me to the world of music. My mother may not have had the opportunity, but she ensured I did.

When our elders share these stories of hardship and sacrifice, it's not to make us feel guilty, but to teach us the value of what we have. These tales of resilience and selflessness inspire a deep sense of humility and duty within me. I'm determined to carry on their legacy, to fight for a better tomorrow, so that their sacrifices were not in vain.

To my ancestors, I say thank you. Thank you for all that you've fought for, all that you've endured. It's because of you that I'm able to pursue my dreams and fulfill my calling. I'm eternally grateful for this precious gift of life.

#3rdCulture #Vulnerable