To those who continue to love despite the hurts, to those who refuse to give up hope, to those who always care, I am deeply grateful.
They never ask what may become of them materially, mentally or financially, and instead rush to help others. When they see a problem or crisis, they never waver in their resolve to help. They understand and experience suffering and still give all their love. Especially today, where it’s trendy to say ‘I have no cares to give’, they do otherwise. In a world that tries to convince you that becoming mature means caring less and not more, they do the opposite. Despite everyone thwarting them, despite the hassle and inconvenience, despite the rejection and insults, despite the harm, those who care just carry on.
I have seen them occupying their jobs and doing more than was ever asked of them, not for glory or accolades but because it is innate within them. They are the ones who go above and beyond to help others in their time of need, wanting and expecting nothing. They know that they are not obliged to help, to do more, to be better than their position, to do things with integrity, but somehow, they find the strength to do so, all the same. Never exhausted, they plod along, ever doing, ever singing, ever smiling. Even when insulted, unfairly deterred, scarred and maligned, they shrug it off, continue with determined focus, knowing within themselves that which they must do.
If you’ve ever been in the presence of those who care – you’ll know and feel a difference. You’ll feel the aura, the energy they exude. Without thinking, they’ll lessen your burden and never ask for anything in return. They help because they cannot do otherwise, because it is in their nature to think of others, and what others might be going through.
That is not to say that these people do not carry burdens and pain of their own. They do, softly and silently, but instead of it hardening them, it moves them to compassion. Indeed, it is often, they who have suffered the most in this world and still find it within themselves to help others.
I am forever grateful to these souls, for it is those who care who know the great secret of life. They know that life is not meant to be lived for oneself alone. At its zenith, at its most profound, life is love, where selfishness is erased and replaced with sacrifice to other things, people, ideals, life itself. It is only by giving ourselves to something or someone else without thought of reward that we become truly human. Those who care know that love is giving and expecting nothing in return.
This original article first appeared in the FALL 2024 issue of City Style and Living Magazine.
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