When I was about 4 years old, my parents and I were going to visit my grandparents. As we were driving to their village, my dad noticed a car in the ditch next to the road in a very tricky corner. He decided to stop to ask if everything is ok. He pulled over and opened the door to step outside. The moment he steps out, a car going from the opposite direction skids and crashes right into him. He spends the next 4 months lying unconscious in the hospital, my mum visiting him regularly, before he passes away. I still can't even imagine what she must have gone through. I was too young to realise, and I cannot even remember any of this. She didn't have this privilege.
The lesson here is clear, life is not fair. Even the purest of intentions can turn into the grimmest of outcomes. Being good can literally kill you. It just begs to wonder how many people die each year thanks to the consequences of doing good deeds, or live their whole lives dedicated to other people that may often not even realise it. The poor souls that put happiness of others above their life. We can just ask and wonder why on earth these people can't just be selfish and live their own lives happily. Had my dad been more selfish, he could've been here now. He could've seen me graduate from university and he could've been here and enjoy all the latest tech gadgets that he loved so much back then.
The conclusion is very inviting. Why should we be trying to help others when we can happily live our own lives? Why should we care about strangers at all? I, personally, know why. Because someone so close to me lost his life trying to help others. Becoming selfish just out of spite would make my father's death become meaningless. Therefore, every time I do my small bit of good and help a stranger with their suitcase, or stroller, I think of my dad. I know these are menial little things, but I do hope they still count. And I hope that one day I'll even have enough courage to pull over and help a stranger stranded on the side of the road. Until then, shall I help you carry that suitcase up the stairs?
How about you? What makes you care about others? And how do you show it?
Lukas
[email protected]
P.S. All I am going for with this email is to give some recognition to my father, whom I only got to know very briefly, but who deserves it immensely. I just wish one day I could be at least half as kind as him. And also to my mum, who I admire for being able to go through this all. And for being able to drive through that unfortunate curve, again, and again, week after week. I honestly wonder, how she can be so strong.
Lukas
[email protected]
London, UK