Dubai
Doing something good for yourself is what people would refer to as a treat. But, doing something good for someone else is what creates a memorable experience. Gulf News readers share their stories of such experiences from 2014.
Shaniya Seddiqi, an Indian national based in Sharjah, faced an issue while driving and a stranger helped her out of the sticky situation.
She said: “During the summer, I was to attend a seminar at a school that I had never been to before. I lost my way and accidentally drove into a sandy area. The front tyres of my car got stuck in the sand, and I was unable to drive. A young Emirati man was passing by and offered to help. He tried driving the car, but was also unable to move it. He then started removing the sand off the tyres with his bare hands. He did not care about the burning hot sand or about his clothes becoming dirty. I was so grateful for his help. He smiled and asked me to pray for his success as he was on his way to giving his university exams.”
Emma Suba, a Filipina based in Ajman, shared a story of when she had to undergo surgery earlier this year.
She said: “I was getting prepped for a medical procedure and was in the operation room, alone. I was on the table and the room was bitterly cold. The effect of the anesthesia was taking its toll, and I was shivering and dreadfully terrified. That’s when a nurse entered the room, stood by my side and held my hand until I went under. I didn’t feel alone then. It will forever be ingrained in my mind how such a small gesture of compassion could make such a big difference.”
Valencia D’souza, an Indian student based in Dubai, also experienced something similar.
She said: “I recently underwent surgery on my lower back, which restricted me from being too psychically active. However, I couldn’t take leave from school as my exams were nearing. I attended classes and had to carry my heavy school bag, which would strike the sensitive wound every time I walked. As a result, the wound worsened. When my closest friend heard of my condition, she started carrying my school bag every day. I look at her and feel overwhelmed with joy and gratefulness for having such a friend.”
Maria Lourdes Peñero, a Filipina national based in Dubai, helped a woman carry grocery bags till her house. But, the reaction she received lifted her spirits for the rest of the day.
She said: “A few days ago, I was walking home from a mall and saw a woman in her 60s who was carrying two bags full of groceries. I could tell that the bags were heavy and so offered to help. She gave me the sweetest smile and upon reaching her house, she hugged me tightly and said ‘thank you’ in the kindest possible manner. The rest of the evening, I wore the biggest smile on my face. The happiness I felt was priceless.”
Samer Ashour, a Jordanian national based in Dubai, was touched by a small gesture by a stranger at a petrol station.
He said: “A few months ago, I was at a petrol station and came across a donation box. I was putting in a donation amount, when suddenly an aged Emirati man approached me and just said, ‘thank you’. My act didn’t affect him in anyway, but his gesture was really nice and all I could do was smile in return.”
Ahlam Bolooki, an Emirati based in Dubai, thinks of small acts of kindness as connecting with other people.
She said: “I like to buy special stationary, postcards or greeting cards throughout the year; not because there’s an occasion, or with a specific person in mind, but because I know that throughout the days I will come across a line in a book or a moment in my day that makes me think of somebody who matters. On that day I’ll write them a card describing that moment and what connected me to them. The gesture and the unusual behaviour of somebody walking up to you in a normal day with such a romanticised act is larger than life. In that way, I leave pieces of myself with those who have added meaning to my life.”
Sneha Santhosh, an Indian pupil based in Fujairah, says for her it is about being polite to her elders.
She said: “It was a friend’s birthday and she brought sweets for our classmates. I gave the chocolate I got to one of the school attendants. A greeting need not necessarily be through words; it could be through just a smile.”
Azza Ahmad, an Egyptian national based in Abu Dhabi, offered a helping hand to her peers, only to receive a surprise in return.
She said: “As a media scholar, I am often busy with research and teaching schedule. This year, I received many requests from media researchers to review their work, comment on their questionnaires or read a chapter of their work. In spite of my busy schedule, I supported them. Unexpectedly, I got an acceptance letter from an outstanding international journal to publish my paper. This unforeseen surprise delighted me. I felt that this was a return of my support to others. Doing good deeds will come back to you one day when you least expect it.”
Muntazir Haider, a Pakistani national based in Dubai, was pleasantly surprised by an act of kindness by his students.
The corporate trainer told Gulf News: “The most recent incident that I remember was from my birthday in August. I wasn’t having a very good day, but when I went to class, my students gave me a surprise birthday party with a cake and presents. This act for me was something that made my day.”
