One day, I was completely blindsided in school- I had to give a test that I had not prepared for because I was under the impression that the test was going to be on another subject entirely. Needless to say, it did not go well.
I came home in a terrible mood. The elderly maid, who I refer to as ‘mashi’, was cheerful as usual and asked me about my test. I don’t know what happened to me; I threw my bag and yelled at her, saying she was irritating and stupid, all because she had not kept my books inside the cupboard. Then I walked into my room and slammed the door. When my anger subsided after some time I realized that I shouldn’t have shouted at her and ought to apologize to her. Unfortunately, my ego got in the way. During dinnertime, she served me with such care and love that I felt ashamed of my abominable behaviour earlier that day. How could she be so calm? She works so hard every day to put food on the table, so her daughters can attend school. She got married young and could not complete her education, but she did not want the same fate for her daughters. If she wanted, she could have gotten them married off as all parents in her locality have done, but despite being uneducated, she knew the importance of schooling, especially for girls. I remember her saying that she wished her daughters would have become police officers and challenged the notion that a daughter is just a burden to her parents. I have never seen a stronger woman than her in my entire life. She said that if needed, she would sell off her gold bangles so that her daughters could attend university. As a single mother without a support system, she never complained about the difficulties she faced in life. Moreover, she treats me like I am her own daughter. She is unbelievably patient and understanding always, specially if I have had a bad day. On the other hand, there I was, with everything: the best food, a big house, and the best education, and I still felt life has been unfair to me. My carelessness should not have been an excuse for my arrogant attitude toward others. I have the option to be lazy, to procrastinate, but she does not because her dreams are big. Now, the guilt was really painful. I realized that I came from a place of privilege and that I need to do away with my lazy attitude towards life. I should work hard and be more grateful to people around me.
Generally, when we think of a mentor or an idol, we think of someone who invented something or created massive wealth for themselves. No doubt, such people have worked hard and are certainly inspirational. But sometimes seemingly insignificant people can also be inspirational.
I have never known a person more determined and stronger than my mashie.
