A Stranger who became a True Inspiration

“When you desire something very passionately the whole universe conspires with you to achieve your dream”. I once heard this line and simply loved it, but never understood the power of this statement in real life until I met ‘Her’.

We were complete strangers. She was my husband’s friend’s relative. She was travelling from Dubai to Australia via Oman. Her flight had a pretty long halt at the Oman airport. Since she was travelling with a small kid it was suggested that she stayed at our house in Oman instead of spending long hours at the airport waiting lounge.

I was informed at night that she will be arriving in the morning and leaving by evening. I had some pre-planned engagements for the day but being of some help to others is always a ‘Yes’ for me.

I got up earlier in the morning, making all the preparations for the unfamiliar guest. She arrived around 8 o’clock. Attired in a top and jeans, with a headscarf she looked just like any other ordinary woman of her age. Her external persona brilliantly camouflaged the true essence of her personality.  I was yet to discover the intrepid character that lay underneath this simple looking person.

We began causal chit chats and then had lunch at home which was joined by my husband. It was after lunch that the two ladies got some quality time -kids went off for their afternoon nap and my husband returned to office thus giving us an opportunity and space to discuss and unlock some interesting chapters of our lives.

During our conversation I told her that I like to write and even showed her some of my works, at her insistence. Much to my surprise and delight she was impressed by my work but was little taken aback to know that I had no future plans about my career and that I had surrendered myself totally to homemaking.

She then told me her story, a true life incident that changed her life completely. Never did I know that her tale would impact me and change my life.

She stayed with her husband and three kids in Australia. She was always a very active person; sedentary lifestyle was something she detested the most. It was her passion and zeal that prompted her husband to start a small business for her at home. Everything was more than ‘just fine’ in her life.

There was one person in her life that she loved, respected and cherished the most. She was her elder sister. They shared a very strong bond that was beyond sisterhood and friendship. They were friends in the best of times and guardian angels in the worst of times. Though miles apart, the duo was very much in tune with their thoughts and connections. Talking every day, sharing their experiences and supporting each other whenever needed, the two were like soul companions.

Once they decided to start a creche for children. The idea came from the elder sister who loved Kids and always wanted to do something related to children. She was very excited to conceptualize the idea of a pre-nursery play group in Dubai, where she lived with her family.

Looking at her interest and passion for the project, the younger sister too agreed to support her in her objective. The duo started making plans; unaware of the plans that God had laid for them. The inevitable occurred and it changed all.

The elder sister was detected from cancer. She was at her last stage. It took just few seasons to pass by and she was lost into oblivion.

Loss of sister was a major setback. It took some time and support of her family to come out of the tragic loss. Finally when she reconciled to the harsh reality she felt a deep sense of void as if life was missing something.

Lately, she had developed a strong desire to fulfill the unfulfilled dream of her sister, the dream project that the two sisters once planned. Making the project proposal a reality had become a primary goal which she wanted desperately.

She knew it was not a viable prospect as the project they dreamt was to be started in Dubai, far away from ‘Her’ settlement. There was an immense inner turmoil giving way to desperation. Finally, when she could not hold back the burden any longer, she let herself loose.

She discussed the issue with her husband and expressed the importance of this project in her life. Although it was not an easy decision he decided to support her.

That was the first impetus, the much needed one. She moved to Dubai with her toddler while her husband stayed back in Australia with his settled job and two school-going kids.

The commencement was tough. She toiled and struggled at every stage. She combated the obstructions with greater determination and perseverance.

Finding out the location, setting up of required infrastructure, marketing, financing and lengthy formalities all left her drained out. Every day was tightly scheduled, commuting to unknown places, meeting new people, making presentations and convincing hard nuts and sceptics, nothing was easy. But to her these were mere tiny steps that she needed to climb in order to reach her ultimate goal.

Amidst this chaotic struggle, her husband was undeniably her greatest strength and support who encouraged her to move on.

Days turned into weeks and weeks into months, the struggle went on. There were moments when things didn’t work in her favour, there were times when her own relatives taunted at her, there were instances when people doubted her calibre…but all these minor hiccups just added up to the lady’s strength and resilience.  She never allowed any disapproval affect her.

Ultimately, she conquered. Yes she did it! It took lot of time, money, effort and not to forget courage and sacrifice to establish a pre-nursery playgroup (all by herself), a dream that had become the purpose of her life. She achieved it and with it she attained profound satisfaction.

After listening to her story I was totally stunned. The courage, confidence and patience she demonstrated was definitely unmatched. She was undeniably #madeofgreat.

She taught me that life with a purpose and passion is always more meaningful and blissful. She also made me realize that talent and knowledge are strengths of an individual that must be used rightly and should not be allowed to rust away.

She proved my philosophy wrong. I always believed that one should accept and move on with what one has and overlook that one cannot achieve. Chasing unattainable dreams and desires was something beyond my comprehension.

She countered my belief and she did it very strongly, compelling me to ponder over my attitude.

She said something before leaving that left an indelible and profound impact on me. “Remove the word ‘can’t’ from your life. If you want something desire it passionately. You will then see how everything will start working in your favor and success will be yours". These words continue to motivate me.

She was the one who infused in me the desire to use my faculty and capacity more productively. Her words ignited a sense of passion that showed me the path that I always wanted to tread on but lacked the conviction and motivation.

I had written few stories for kids. I showed it to her. She loved them and published them into books for her school. Currently I am handling few freelancing projects and also write for my blogs. Thanks to this stranger angel for guiding me from ‘Nothing to Something’.Now I am exploring my own strengths and using every opportunity to hone up my skills and to move ahead and excel in my work.

She is now running her school successfully in Dubai. Her family will soon be joining her. I haven’t yet met her but we keep in touch through phone calls. Whether I meet her or not her presence will always be there in my endeavors and achievements.

The blog is a part of a contest #madeofgreat , by TATA Motors. http://madeofgreat.tatamotors.com/