Re: The Story Thread
05-09-2010, 04:15 PM
Gifts of memory
Once, there lived a young man. He was very dear to his sister and to his Mother.
He had the blessing of both his Mother and sister being wonderful cooks; which was fortunate, for he loved their wonderful dishes. This family greatly enjoyed giving gifts to one another, especially at birthdays. They had quite perfected the art of it, giving gifts that neither would have purchased for themselves, but that were always just what the other wanted. A beautiful painting for the sister who loved art, a crisp white tunic for the mother who loved simplicity, a deposit on a wonderful apartment for the maturing young man. But, as always happens, Allah turns the tide and the once robust finances of the small family became very meager. Well, the young man’s birthday was fast approaching and the Mother and sister thought about what they could purchase for him. “I have too little to purchase something on my own” said the Mother.” “…..the same with me” said the sister.
They looked at one another quickly, both bestowed with the same idea. “If we put our monies together……..” they said. But still it was not much. “What can we buy…..” the sister wondered allowed. But the Mother went in another direction “…….no daughter, what can we make!” You see, almost every day the young man visited either his Mother or his sister and ate dinner with them before going home to his appartment. It was too much bother after he returned home from work to even think about cooking, and when he did try, it never turned out like his families’ delicious food anyway! The mother was elated. “We, InshAllah, shall make all his favorite dishes” the Mother said.” “…and stash them in his fridge using our spare apartment key” added the sister.
They prepared herb crusted chicken and lemon baked fish, honeyed carrots and buttery squashes, steamed snap beans, cheesy macaroni and homemade whole wheat rolls and more. When his mother and sister simply called to wish him “Happy Birthday” the young man was sadened. “Is that all there will be..” he asked.
Yet quickly felt ashamed as he knew both their finances were tight. He left for work, yet while there, his family was busy at his home, loading the food in his fridge. And as a last touch, the sister who loved art made colorful signs so the young man would know what was in each well-wrapped dish.
The young man’s work day had been hard indeed, and he was exhausted, too exhaused to even visit his Mother’s or sister’s to eat. He went straight home, prayed and after having a nap, realized just HOW hungry he was. “There is nothing in my fridge except baking soda and water…..” he muttered to himself.” “Why I am even bothering I donot know….” Then he opened the fridge and was verwhelmed by what he saw. He opened one dish after another, unable to beleive his good fortune. He prepared himself a plate and dined like a king.
“Surely, this is the best present I have ever received from my family…….”
And when next he saw them, he told them so. He anticipated the end of his work day, knowing that at home he had the most delicious foods already prepared for him, with such skill and love. With this true story, please know that the best gifts are the most memorable becuase they consist of simple, but honest means and hearts overflowing with love.
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