AMAZING STORIES - The Small Things...

I wanted to share this story as an example of how small gestures can have big, beautiful, life-changing effects.

I hope the universal themes of serendipity, global families and the light of human connection will warm your hearts 💞

In 2004, my older sister was studying Tibetan Buddhism in Dharamsala, India where His Holiness the Dalai Lama lives. My Mum flew out to visit her and learn a little more about Buddhism. Who would have known a simple morning encounter would connect two people from completely different worlds and lead to a lifelong connection and generational change!

One morning, a polio-disabled man was cleaning shoes on the side of the road and trying to sell some sandals to tourists. Fortunately, he spoke a little broken English and he and my Mum started a conversation, they both have four children although very different circumstances. He explained he had four young children living with him and his wife in the notorious riverbed slum (now disbanded).

For some auspicious reason, they forged a strong connection and my Mum volunteered to meet the family in their home. She arrived to find a 10ft x 10ft patch of bare earth covered with assorted tarpaulins strewn over bamboo rods. Even though they were living in extreme poverty they were extremely generous in their welcome, and so the relationship began.

After meeting the whole family they continued correspondence when my Mum returned to the UK. Soon after she got more involved, it wasn't some big sponsorship, just small gestures, she started helping with the children’s education and some funds for shoe polish and display units for tourist sandals. Their eldest son had a dream of becoming a nurse one day which my Mum encouraged and she gave him English lessons over the internet and ongoing support, enthusiasm and advice.

Fast forward 20 years, after overcoming a host of obstacles and incredibly hard work, he is the first from their family to graduate from college and amazingly is now Nursing Director at a Hospital in Lucknow!

Suffice to say, my Mum and their eldest have a very special bond and he calls her “UK Mama!“

Please share any heartwarming, life-changing amazing stories. It’s great to remember that the little things can go a long way...

Dharmasala photo credit unknown. Prayer Flags (Burst). Pink Clouds and Stars - Rahul Pandit (Burst)