Sweet sacrifice

A quick look around the house and you come to the conclusion that it’s crying for care and attention. Rough walls, cracks along the seams, hidden termite colonies, bare minimal modern conveniences, ancient furnishing, and incomplete repairs to mention a few in case you haven’t noticed. A little flamboyance could do no harm. It’s a home for God’s sake.

What to you are little and indispensable conveniences in life were a luxury to him. Much more importantly, they were a dent in his savings for his children. Being a perfectionist, he would only purchase products that are of exceptional quality. Exceptional quality comes at a pricey price tag. He takes a long look at one of those fancy automatic washing machines. The store attendant quips, the best money can buy in its category, Sir. You need to do much more to capture his attention. Quick price check; this is my child’s educational expense for a whole year, he thinks. He walks out of the store, no further thinking was required.

Happiness comes in a variety of forms. To him, it was putting a smile on his child’s face, forever. For him, it was worn out sandals, shirts with missing buttons and old trousers that hardly match. For his children, it was designer wear, sporty shoes both formal and informal, cell phones; add to this their lavish spending on movies, parties, dinners, gifts and what not. Never once did he complain, weaken, relent, rest or quit. Sweet sacrifice is what he would term it.

Appa, you are the best.