SC-S29/W6 – Nostalgia Of The Little Me: A Childhood Story That Taught You Something

Assalam O Alaikum my dear friends. Childhood memories stay with us forever. Some are happy and full of laughter. Some are simple but very deep. We do not understand their value at that time. But when we grow up, we realize those small moments shaped our thinking and made us who we are today.

Childhood incident I love to share is about one winter day in my school life. When some class fellow make fun of my old sweater. It sounds like a small thing maybe not very serious. But for a 9 year old child it was something very big. That day I did not just feel embarrassed I also felt weight of poverty for first time. Before this I was know we were not rich. But I never thought deeply about this. I was only child who was happy with small things. But when others laughed at my clothes this made me realize that society notice these things. That one simple moment changed my thinking. It was not about sweater only. This was about dignity self respect and understand my parents struggle.

Source

I was about nine years old and in primary school. That was very cold winter day. Most students were wearing new jackets and colourful sweater. I have only one sweater. It was very old and torn from one side. My mother stitched more than couple of times. During break time some boys noticed my sweater. One boy touched torn part and laughed. He said I wear this same sweater every year. Other boys also laughed. I did not say anything and stood quietly. On that moment I felt very small. I run away from there fast. This was only few minute but it felt very long for me.

During that moment I feel shame and embarrassment. My face became hot and my eyes were filled with tears. I felt angry also but I did not show this. After school I walked home slowly. I kept thinking why we are not rich like others. Why my father cannot buy new things for me. For first time I felt upset about our financial condition. But at night something changed inside me. I heard my parents talking softly. My father said he will try to buy a new sweater next month after salary. His voice was tired. My mother said it is okay we will manage. When I heard this I felt guilty. I realized they are already trying their best. After that day my shame l turn into respect for my parents.

Source

That day I learn very important lesson. Poverty is not shameful. Making fun of someone is shameful. Clothes do not decide a person value. Money do not decide respect. Hard work and character are more important. I also learned that parents sacrifice a lot for their children. As a child we do not understand their struggles. But when I heard my father tired voice I understood something big.That small incident changed my thinking. I stop compare myself with other. I start focusing more on my studies. I made decision that one day I will work hard and support my family InshaAllah.

Even today that memory is very clear in my mind. Now when I see someone wearing simple clothes I never judge them. I remember my own sweater. I understand that maybe they are also fighting silent battles. That lesson made me humble. It made me more kind towards others. I respect my parents more than before. Whenever I earn even small amount of money, I think about their comfort first. Sometimes painful memories become biggest motivation.

Source
That 9 year old boy inside me still remember that winter day. But now I do not feel shame. I feel strength. That old sweater taught me dignity. It taught me gratitude and also humanity. And I still carry that lesson with me.