Tough times do not last, but tough people do ...

"Hope is a good thing, may be the best thing, and no good thing ever dies”
- from the movie Shawshank Redemption

 

Storyline: 

In these times of global financial crisis, stock market meltdowns, wars and employment worries, I would like to share the remarkable life story of a "common" person that has been anything but common. Her friends and relatives affectionately call her “My Lola” (Grandma). I met her during my visit to Manila in 1978 and got to know her more during my expatriate assignment in the early '80s.  Here is her story:

She was born to a Chinese father and a Filipino mother. At the age of 12, she lost both her parents and was left to take care of three younger siblings. In order to survive, she started a small business: she supported the family by selling fruits, vegetables & fish to locals in the market.

During the second world war, most of the people in her town were slaughtered by the occupying force. She escaped death only because of the kindness of one enemy soldier. After the war, she got married and started another business that provided a comfortable, middle-class living for the next 30 years.

Sadly, in the mid '70s, a fire destroyed her home and her business. Before she could launch another venture, one of her teenage sons developed a rare disease and died, after long and very expensive medical treatment which drained the family savings. A year later, another teenage son met with an accident and died, while trying to help the family. One would think that this is enough misery for one person in one lifetime.

Unfortunately, in the early '80s, her eldest son and her husband died. She was left to support the three remaining young children by herself.  She learned to read and speak English while taking care of a young boy; she would make the little one read a book, and while moving her finger on every word, listen carefully and pick up the pronunciation.

Eventually she went abroad and for the last 27 years her life has turned for the better. Last December, on her 77th birthday, I asked her for a formal interview. After recapturing many of her experiences, and her creative approaches for surviving and eventually thriving in life, I asked her the final question. “What kept you going on in life with all that has happened?”

“Hope” she answered. “I never gave up thinking that tomorrow will be better than today and kept on going. Every day was precious and I gave my best efforts.”

Reflection: 

Personally I have not met anyone who has been through so much in one life time. But what she said in her final answer is what I witness every time I see her. Last Sunday, I chatted with her about the current global problems.  She told me, “Trust me. Things will get better.”

Comments

[Marissa]

I have tears rolling down my eyes. I thought I have problems; not any more.
thanks for continued weekly inspirational

[A friend from Shanghai]

Thank you for sharing – which is meaningful in such environment. Take care! Rgds, from Shanghai

[Issac]

hard to imagine for normal person that this could happen to a person. yes, it happens in my part of the world for many people. right, Hope for better tomorrow is what keep us look at the future.

[Jai Patel]

Every successful person has a painful story. Every painful story has a successful ending.

[A friend From Taipei]

Thank you for your kindness to share all the wisdom & encouragement to us all the times. Every week, I became a habit to look forward to receive your sharing information but never express my appreciation to you.

Today I would like to express my sincere appreciation to you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you! From Taipei

Rgds

[Ian]

Nice and inspiring story of Lola  Happy Weekend Rgds, Ian

[Teo]

One of my friend told me this week about a note from his father ..

Secret of living happily : “Always hope for the best and be prepared for the worst …. “

This actually true to me … before I decided to date my first girl friend , I asked myself if I could accept if both of us separated later. Upon conforming of my readiness for the worst case … then the charm of love begins … and the girl friend is eventually my lovely wife now 

[Alka]

that was a real nice one..i have met Lola only once but she has left the impression in my mind of one who has great strength and belief in her soul that sometimes baffles even God...it is wonderful to have met her and hope she visits us in Mumbai soon

[Sharvary]

This brought tears to my eyes. All I can say is My Salute to "LOLA". It is inexplicable what I feel after reading this story which I narrated to my daughter Natasha.
HOPE is the only endurance in life and this certainly teaches you that.

Friday Reflections are wonderful readings. It has certainly enriched my life in so many ways.

Sharvary

[Lan]

Thanks for sharing. In these days, I am stuggling about a decision and now I know what I should do. Thanks~

[Anh]

Many Vietnamese have similar stories of personal tragedy, most because of War. But we have to keep going on. Life is too short.

[Peng]

Hi Anand- thanks for the sharing of yr family member. I feel very touched & inspired by this.
Hv a great weekend.
Rgds, pp

[Kyle Thompson]

This story really makes you think. Mrs. Lola had economic problems, faced War atrocities, and experienced personal tragedies of unimaginable magnitude.

Recent world problems and earnings scale down are minor compared to what she encountered. Her life is indeed an inspiration.

[Josephine]

Why company and government not care for people when economy go down? company bosses get bonus for good time so why not pay back when the company loose money. Why worker always go to pain? Poor people have little money in good time and no money in bad time. Company Bosses have money all the time. Not fair.

US system has some big problem. Josephine from China

[Ricky]

Thanks for the story in this stressful moment.
Let’s trust tomorrow will be better and spend our best effort on it.
Regards, Rick (Nanjing, China)

[Desai]

BTW, great inspirational story about hope – especially in current environment. Just curious, is this a personal story (your mother in-law?). BTW, I have similar story about my Grandmother (I can share with you when we meet) who had great influence on raising me as her 1st grandson who died 6 years ago. Same as what in your story line, she always told us not to give up the hope. “hope and dreams are the most important in life, and specially during ruff time to keep you going and prepare you when good time returns, and it always does.

[SH]

I am touched by the story of Lola. Yes, HOPE is the driving force just like the 3 candles, the one that keeps on burning... Lola has the will to face adversity as she thinks that one day things will be better..