How The Man I Married Made Me Feel Grateful This Week

Jan 28
NabanitaDhar
“You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.” ― John Bunyan
Have you ever been surprised by the ones you love?

 Of course, you have.

 What I mean to ask is – have you ever felt overwhelmed with joy by something being done by your loved ones, something that is so true to who they are as individuals but which still managed to surprise you pleasantly?

Yes, the people you love can at times, by a simple yet special gesture, leave your heart feeling warm, fuzzy and full of pride.

It’s true. S actually did something this week which has left me beaming with pride. Every once in a while, he manages to surprise me in ways I never knew possible.

 The surprise

So, the other day I was putting M to sleep when my maid asked for a raise again. Now, she has been working with us for about 4 months now. There is no doubt I love the way she cleans the house and how she never misses a day without informing but I didn’t want to increase her salary so soon. You know, they can sometimes take this to be a norm and keep asking for a hike every few months. Hence, I just asked her to wait for a couple more months and then I would definitely do the needful.

 She,  however, just like the first time around, asked me to discuss it with S before saying no. It’s not her fault actually. Haven’t we as a society always believed that only the man of the house has the final say in all decisions, especially financial ones? But I digress.

 Anyhow, at that very moment S was in the other room listening to the entire conversation. What happened next made me realise what a wonderful man I had ended up marrying, what a wonderful man indeed.

“No one has ever become poor by giving.” ― Anne Frank


 He came in and asked my maid how many daughters she has, where they were studying and how much it cost. She was, maybe, a little surprised at this sudden turn of conversation. But they continued, S in Hindi and she in a little bit of Tamil with broken Hindi.

 We found out that her eldest was going to a Government school, free of cost. The youngest one though was just in UKG, in a different school where the monthly fee was about Rs. 2000. That’s when I realised what he was about to do.

 S told my maid that he would pay the school fees for her youngest daughter, every month. He told her that we won’t be increasing her pay instead help her in this way.

“You need an attitude of service. You’re not just serving yourself. You help others to grow up and you grow with them.” – David Green


 However, to make sure that the money was not being used for something else, his one and only condition was that she bring the payment receipt every month. It was for us to know that the money was actually being put to right use, as school fees for her daughter.

 The look on her face was priceless. Of course, she was worried I would end up fighting with S for offering this but we managed to allay her fears eventually.

 I am so happy and slightly ashamed that I couldn’t come up with something like this to help her. 

 While I keep harping on how we should help people, S goes right ahead and does it. That’s what I love about him. Thank God, M has him to look up to!

 I’m so grateful for having him in my life. I’m so proud that I have a family, a life with a man who knows whom to help and how to help, who does all of this without expecting anything in return. I’m really grateful.

 Well, that was all for today. Here’s a quote I leave you all with,

“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.” ― Charles Dickens




Linking this to the Gratitude Circle Blog hop hosted by the awesome Vidya Sury


60 thoughts on “How The Man I Married Made Me Feel Grateful This Week”

  1. So wonderful! Just the right thing to do. There is no better help than to sponsor a child's education. Kudos to both of you.

  2. I have found myself harping on helping someone too. But things wouldn't turn out as expected always. The least we can do is to atleast help those in need who are right infront of us. Kudos to your husband for the prompt decision!

  3. The joy one feels in helping others in indescribable. I totally agree – nobody ever becomes poor by giving!You must have brought so much light and hope into their lives by this act!!

  4. Great post Naba ……. Regards to your hubby. Almost my hubby is like your hubby. We too are helping our maid's daughter study…….Good hearts make The Earth go round ……

  5. Great post Naba ……. Regards to your hubby. Almost my hubby is like your hubby. We too are helping our maid's daughter study…….Good hearts make The Earth go round ……

  6. Such an amazing gesture! We need more and more inspiring acts like these to make this world a beautiful place. Bravo!

  7. How lucky it is to have someone like this in your life, right Naba? Thankfully we are blessed with some people like this in our lives to be grateful for. I'm sure that the lady will do her best for you to thank you enough. Much love to you and M. And respect for S. Stay blessed!

  8. That was such a nice thing to do. There are times when I also, miss out on my blessings and when things like these happen, I remember to count them

  9. That was the right thing to do. Education is so important. You have a wise husband. Alana ramblinwitham.blogspot.com

  12. Very inspiring. Give S a hug for me. I always think the best way we can help the poor is by educating them. Of course, this doesn't cover emergencies like food and medical expenses.

  13. 🙂 You made me feel so wonderful by writing this, Naba! May S, you and M be blessed with happiness. Indeed you have a compassionate and kind partner. It doesn't matter that you didn't come up with the idea of paying the fees – what matters is together you both found the ideal way to help her. What a great moment to store in your memory! May I suggest you note it down in a special book that your daughter can read one day and feel proud? Hugs!

  14. It's nice to hear this Naba. Even my father mentions that instead of giving money to beggars/ poor, give them food or something else which is important.

  16. When I hear of instances such as this one I realise how easy it is for us to make someone happy and yet how rare it is for us to do so. I am glad for you Naba – that you have a wonderful thoughtful person in your life.

  18. This is what I love about blogging and social media, the fact that we can share such inspiring stories of gratitude and love. Hats off to the man in your life and to you for writing about it so beautifully.

  20. That was a lovely idea. I hope that she follows through with the arrangement. Not many employers would consider even offering that.

  21. Naba, you sure are blessed to have such a wonderful and kind life partner! Your little one will learn so much from him! God bless you all!

  22. Naba, you sure are blessed to have such a wonderful and kind life partner! Your little one will learn so much from him! God bless you all!

  24. What a lovely and inspiring post, Nabanita. May you both continue to inspire each other and brighten up the lives of people around you.

    Monica

  25. There are many people who do lip service to the idea of giving; only some are able to put in in practice. Such a wonderful thing to do. How very thoughtful of him. You are right to be proud of him. 🙂

  31. Thanks Arti…He does inspire me to be a better person…:) and we do need more inspiring acts like his..

  32. Thanks so much, Rekha…We are really lucky…I just hope she is able to put that money to the right use..that would make us the happiest..

  33. It was, wasn't it..He inspires me to be better by doing these things and yes I count my blessings then too 🙂

  37. I will surely, Corinne..You are right it doesn't cover food and medical expenses…I hope in future we'll be able to help her in those areas as well

  38. Thanks so much , Vidya..That's a lovely idea…I'll do that..I think M will really like that …Hugs right back at you 🙂

  41. You said it, Tulika..It's no so hard to do the right things…I'm indeed lucky to have him in my life, he inspires me to be a better person

  51. This is a beautiful, practical, down to earth post. I loved reading it and am so glad to hear about the decision you and your spouse took.

  54. What a beautiful way to help someone. Thank you for sharing this positive message. :)God bless your family.

  55. Brought a big smile on my face. I have to confess that I also wouldn't have thought of doing something like that but this definitely gives a different approach.

  56. S is a superstar!! That is incredibly kind of him!! So happy that you guys making a difference in someone's life 🙂

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