IN THE SHADE OF THOSE TREES


 



“Someone sitting in the shade today,

because someone planted a tree long time ago.”

Warren Buffet

 

 

What Warren Buffet said (through the above lines) about being prudent in life, by managing our money wisely and with a long-term vision, applies to everything else, too… especially, to raising our children.

Every generation of parents has tried its best to offer something better to the next one. I have talked about it so many times… My great grandparents must’ve almost lived like tribals… But, they tried to give a better life to my grandparents… I had the opportunity to see how my grandparents lived… Yes, it’s not as good as my parents did… and, the life of we five brothers was much better compared to our parents’… and, we tried to give even a better one to our own children… Doubtlessly, the same will continue… Our children are geared up to offer a better life to their own.

But, then, the question comes up: “What does a ‘better life’ mean?” Does it mean only a better living condition – better education, better financial cushion, a better accommodation etc.?

Well, Warren Buffet, certainly, was referring to such a better life… Save and invest money wisely so that your children, grandchildren and great grandchildren can reap its benefit.

So, every generation of parents tries to follow this advice… It leaves a better life – a greater legacy – to the generation next.

I remember this old dialogue between a little child and his grandpa. The little one asked innocently, “Grandpa, why are you planting this sapling? You will not be around when it grows and starts giving fruits.”

“Yes Honey, I won’t be there around to enjoy its fruits,” the grandpa said tenderly, “I am planting it for you.”

Is that not how all parents think and go about life?

Maybe, some of us emphasize on leaving more financial security for our children… while some of us may leave a stronger emotional and intellectual security… But, we all strive to do it. We just don’t ‘plant trees’ for ourselves… We want to provide ‘shade’ for our children and their children…




Today, it seems, is the ‘International Parents’ Day’. Our son had carried (in his two hands) two tender coconuts on his way back from the church…

“For parents?” I asked when I opened the door.

“Yes, Dad, ” Son replied.

“Nice gift on Parent’s Day,” my wife declared in the background.

“Today?” our son reacted, sincerely.

I thought of the anonymous man who had planted that coconut tree…  somewhere, some long time ago…

Denis Waitley says, “The greatest gifts you can give your children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.”




More power and much love to all parents – the tree-planters!

 

GERALD D’CUNHA

Pic’s: 1. www.treeforlife.ca   2. www.vecteezy.com  

Video: UNICEF India


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