digital divide network - article database

Dearest Darling Friends,

One of the classy things about the 8 member Mr. Moiz’s family was that every morning one member of the family would say ‘Breakfast Prayers’.

On the breakfast table each member would take turns to say the prayers. One person for one day. The oldest member at the breakfast table was the grandmother Kulsum, who was all of 83 years old. The youngest preferred to be known as ’50 paise’ after ’50 cents’ who was his idol. 50 cents is the ‘Rhythm and Blues’ american Rap singer who has captured the imagination of american youngsters with his ‘Gansta Rap’ singing. 50 paise was just eight years old. Unlike his preferred name, he was wise beyond his years.

The family was going through tough times. Last evening, 50 paise’s papa that is Mr. Moiz had lost his job. At the breakfast table it was 50 paise’s turn to say the prayers. It was monsoon at its peak. The roof was leaking a bit. Nothing serious but enough to dampen the mood. On top of this papa had lost his job. This was double whammy. No one was in a cheerful mood. No one was feeling ‘faith’ful. However, the ritual of prayers had to be completed. Anyway it was 50 paise’s turn. All wanted to encourage the child. So everyone was present.

On behalf of everyone 50 paise started praying, “On this gloomy and dark day, we are all having breakfast together. All of us are sad as papa has lost his job and the roof is leaking. My grandmother says, everything is ‘Your Will’. We thank you for this beautiful day. Ameen”. His mother Filza always wanting to correct him towards perfection, with eyebrows arched up in surprise, asked him, “Everything that you prayed was right and wonderful but why did you say the day is beautiful when the day is anything but beautiful. It is gloomy and dark.” She too was disturbed by her husband’s loss of job.

‘Ammi,’ asked 50 paise, with his rare wisdom, ‘Should we ever judge a day by its weather?’

Something seemed to have shifted inside the room. The heaviness caused by Gloom and Doom fled. Lightness made its presence felt through smiles on everyone’s face.

Since last evening Mr. Moiz was fighting off his tears of fear and guilt. He was ravaged by growing uncertainty about how is he going to take care of the financial needs of his family? As he heard the explanation offered by his son, tears swelled in his eyes. Again he was fighting off his tears. However, these new tears were of joy and pride, gratitude and faith.

He lifted his son high in the air, up above his head, balancing 50 paise on 50 paise’s belly in the palm of his right hand. This always made 50 paise squeal with laughter. As he laughed, everyone else relaxed. They all understood what Mr. Moiz must be going through. They all had felt his tension last evening. What they were seeing now, was uplifting.

Everyone joined the laughter. 50 paise had become the agent of transformation in the family.

Filza was heard saying, “Enough, enough. Everyone, please finish your breakfast. 50 paise has to go to school. He is getting late.”

Filza’s eyes met Mr Moiz’s. There was no fear in either of them. Only faith and love. With naughtiness Mr. Moiz winked at her. Blood rushed to Filza’s cheeks as she blushed with embarrassment.

The day was indeed beautiful.

With loads of love, prayers and best wishes,
naren
As I Live…I Learn