Its the last week of summer vacation for my kids and their schoolmates. My friends and I indulged them in their wish and took them for their 1st ever ice skating trip( yes we have an ice skating ring, here in scorching desert country). As I watched them, faces full of excitement, take tentative unsteady steps on the ice, I silently wondered if any would moan or whimper when they fell. Their enthusiasm and determination filled me with pride, in the 1st half hour, they fell and got up repeatedly. They encouraged each other and worked as a team, displaying care for the younger ones(ages 5 and 6). As the promised hour at the rink drew to a close, the kids, despite their sore bums, begged for another hour. We acceded, not wishing to disappointment the happiness on their faces. And it was worth it, some of them even managed to skate freely, without their penguin aid, by the end of the morning.
Later that night, during our usual bedtime routine, I told my 9 yr old daughter, I am so proud of you, despite the falls, you kept getting up, you kept trying, and in the last 10 mins, you were able to skate freely. But I am sore now Mama, she said. Yes, I continued, but that’s life, if you want something badly, you have to work for it, no pain, no gain. Not everything will be easy for you or go smoothly as you wish, most important is to keep trying. I want you to remember your ice skating trip every time you find things difficult to do. That and always pray(solat) and ask Allah for Divine help.
I hope my daughter will remember her ice skating lesson.
