I can’t believe I gifted my mom this!
“While we wait for life, life passes.”
Recently, I gave my mother a gift that was hard for me to imagine 5 years ago!
Back then, I was living in India planning my Master’s abroad. I was excited about this opportunity as I had always dreamed of studying abroad.
When I came to Canada, I didn’t know anyone here.
For the initial few days, I stayed at my dad’s friend’s friend’s house (was a surprise to me as well that I didn’t have any closer relations considering I am from Punjab lol).
I also came across some naysayers who told me that I would have a hard time finding my field job as I was a fresher.
I didn’t let that impact me as my parents had done a lot for me.
They always ensured that I got access to the opportunities that I wanted.
My Master’s was expensive ($54,000). Despite coming from a middle-class family, they never told me to go for a cheaper option.
They took out a loan for me.
I worked hard as I knew that they had sacrificed so much for me and my brother.
The people who were spreading negativity got the answer when I got my field job after graduating.
I started repaying my loan.
It relieved the pressure off my family.
Then I got a government job.
Needless to say, they were really happy! (although I don’t understand the hype)
Then to realize my full potential, I took another step and took the risk to become a full-time entrepreneur.
My parents sacrifice and my hard work has paid off as I was able to:
Repay the loan.
Gift a gold bracelet to my mom on her retirement in 2023.
Become independent and a pillar of support for them.
Now revealing the gift…
I booked her a business class ticket from India to come visit me!
I am so happy to tell you that she’s in Canada! (her first time here) 💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻
What I’m going to write might seem like show-off but the sole purpose is to inspire you and show you that you too can make this possible!
I feel grateful that whenever we have to go somewhere, I am able to take her out in a cab. We have never taken the public transit. (will take her once for experience though)
Most importantly, I don’t have to stress about my budget.
I can pamper her and take her to cool Airbnbs, buy her stuff from boutique stores, and massages (her favourite).
None of this would have been possible if my parents hadn’t made sacrifices.
Now, it’s my responsibility to fulfill the dreams that they forgot for the happiness of their kids.
It fills me with joy when I see her enjoying and not having any financial stress.
Hope this encourages you to push past your comfort zone.
Like you,
I immigrated to Canada with dreams in my eyes.
As a student, I worked at Tim Hortons to manage my expenses.
Went through the uncertainty of landing my field job.
But I didn’t give up and never got comfortable in minimum wage jobs.
There’s so much potential in you, don’t let it go to waste.
Your parents didn’t sacrifice just to see you living below your potential and doing minimum wage jobs.
You owe it to your parents to live your dream life.
You owe it to yourself to make your parents’ sacrifices worth it.
Keep Blooming,
Bani Singh