Today, as I was going through my old stuffs, I found this
wonderful gift which was almost forgotten by me. Some two and a half years ago,
I got a surprise gift from one of the people whom I admire the most. Yes, I got
candles. Artistic, handmade beautiful candles of different shapes and sizes.
There were three of them and each was equally lovely.
The candles came in a box labelled as 'To my dearest
brother' and there was also a letter in it. Before I could open it, there was
another message in the box - 'Smile before you open the letter'. That message
never gets old. Every time, every single time, I have automatically smiled
before opening it and so I will. Moreover, the letter inside is also one of the
sweetest ones I have ever received.
In the letter, there is a request to not burn the candles in
the loadshedding tormented hours. Clearly that's more a humour than the
request. Because I needed no such appeal for that. Those candles when lit may illuminate
the dark hours due to loadshedding for a moment or two but when left as they
are, will illuminate my many more dark hours of the life in the future. The much
needed affection, smile and warmth will be served every time I behold these
candles. It's hard to believe that the unlit candles possess more power than
the lit ones to lighten someone’s life.
What does a man need? He simply needs love and a simple
reminder that somewhere someone is putting all their efforts to make him happy.
These candles and letter are just that. They are a reminder to me that no
matter how life turns to be, no matter how fast I run, I will always be loved
and I will always find someone waiting for me to share the moments. Whenever I
pause in this fast paced life, looking for an inspiration, looking for that
extra support or the much needed love and assurance, I will always find these
unburnt candles to light up my life.
Here's to my dear sister whose candles will always light up
my world without being burned. Cheers!
