Building Character

It’s a pleasant early morning, just the right breeze to soften the sun’s warm glow. From my window I could see two young mothers walking their kids a few meters away. The babies were about the age of one-year-something-- cute bubbly and perky. Usually this time of the morning in my place, the fathers have had already gone to their respective offices so the streets were bare of vehicles making it quite safe for kids. In many homes in this neighborhood, chores are being carried out in clockwork precision- a daily grind and routine for housewives and mothers.

So now, these two young mothers, one in short-cropped hair and the other in pony tail, naturally were engaged in the usual chatter of old friends in loud enough voices which I didn’t pay attention to. I was more intent on watching the two babies. The first baby with a white bib round his neck sucked nonchalantly on his pacifier. Obviously his mom meant to keep him out of mischief with this. The second baby in blue loosed himself from his mom’s hand and haltingly staggered towards a beautiful yellow-black speckled butterfly perched on a low-lying bush. But after just a few steps, baby blue tripped and fell. I waited for him to cry but no! He went on all fours and gradually stood up on his two feet and again staggered for the butterfly which had remained transfixed on the bush. Then again he tripped, fell, rose again, tripped again and fell, and rose again! Then finally, at last, he got close to the bush eyes still fixed on the butterfly and held out his hand to touch it. Then now the butterfly lifted up in the air but amazingly not with haste. Instead it flitted hovering over the bush like it was giving baby blue the chance to admire it up close-- almost like a prize rewarding him for his persistent and determined efforts to get near to it. I guess it worked. You should see the wonder and awe of baby blue seeing nature at its very best and appreciating the new discovery with a beautiful rapturous smile. Magnificent!

The scene eloquently portrayed these inspiring words of Helen Keller ---“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experiences of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired and success achieved.” I’m pretty sure that Baby Blue would have what it takes to face the struggles of the adult world he would be joining someday.