My cook is Nepali. With me for 8 years. I feel he is as much my family like my wife or children. He’s been in India with his family for 8 years. His children study in the christian school at Kemps corner. Even with the salary/assistance I could provide, it was getting tough for him to manage. He left mumbai 3 months back to settle his wife and kids in Nepal,With his inlaws and 3 days into his stay, the earthequakes took place. ALL houses were levelled. It took me 3-4 days to get in touch. He was OK ( alive ). They ran out in time. Were living in the fields.
I obviously offered help, ( have been struggling last few years ), knowing my limitations, posted on Facebook his plight and asked for help. It was overwhelming. Maybe not the amount ( collected 80k approx), but the response. Friends obviously offered, but it was the strangers (vicarious fb friends) who stunned, They gave money, just because I asked. There was a good friend, who questioned the integrity of Shiva ( using his name, so he gets the respect he deserves, he’s not just a ‘cook’ or a ‘servan’t or ‘help’, he’s a person, who loves his kids as much as I love mine ). I didn’t respond on fb, and mentioned that Shiva hasn’t even out of pride asked me for money, It’s ME who was soliciting.
He’s come back now. I’m happy. He’s staying in my garage, that I emptied out. It took him six days to get back. Re-admitted his kids in school. I live on the ground floor. His wife and kids spend most of the day in my apartment. My 2 kids love their 2 kids. Play together everyday. The kindness I see in my kids is something I couldn’t even aspire for. His kids are equal. They eat the same food, play with the same toys, fight like dogs at times.
His devastation scared him, but he smiles every day at work. He know’s it’s gonna be OK.
I would give anything in the world, absolutely ANYTHING, to be like him. It’s an aspiration.
If ever I had to give an inspirational anecdote or example, it would be him. I’m petty, small, scared and insignificant compared to his character.
The only pride I take within the above, is, that Ive ALWAYS treated them as family. Am sure most people feel and would do the same. But I guarantee lifelong happiness, respect and loyalty between employer and employee, with a little effort. I wish someone could see them in my house. Him, his kids. It’s humbling that God has given me that much sway. We HAVE to step up. And it’s actually quite easy.
Paawan