Not my Typical Maxim Rider

A Belgian’s Journey of Resilience and Gratitude; would have been my title for today's blog.

Recently, I had the privilege of meeting a 66-year-old Belgian man who shared with me the poignant story of his life. His tale is one of love, hardship, and resilience—a narrative that has deeply resonated with me and offered profound insights into the nature of suffering and gratitude.

This gentleman, far from his homeland, found love in the Philippines and married a Cebuana woman. Their union is a testament to the beautiful merging of cultures and hearts. Yet, beneath the surface of their love story lies a reality marked by significant challenges. One of the most heart-wrenching aspects of his life is the realization that, due to various hardships, they cannot have children. This is a sorrow that lingers, a silent ache that colors their daily lives.

In sharing his story, he spoke candidly about the necessity of working despite his age. The work is hard, the hours long, but it is an essential part of their survival. Like many Filipinos who labor tirelessly to support their families, he too must earn a living to secure a future for himself and his wife. His narrative shatters the illusion that foreigners lead trouble-free lives; it reveals that everyone, regardless of their origin, faces their own battles.

Life, he told me, is not uniquely unfair to any one group of people. Many Filipinos might feel that their struggles are unparalleled, that they alone bear the brunt of life’s challenges. However, his story is a powerful reminder that sorrow and hardship are universal. Foreigners in a foreign land grapple with their own set of difficulties—loneliness, cultural adjustment, financial strain, and the emotional toll of being away from home.

Listening to him, I was struck by his unwavering gratitude. Despite the adversity, he holds onto a sense of thankfulness for the life he has. He finds solace in the love of his wife, the small joys of daily life, and the strength to keep going. His perspective is a lesson in resilience and gratitude.

This encounter has reminded me of the importance of appreciating what we have, no matter how modest it may seem. It’s easy to fall into the trap of envying others, believing that their lives are free from the burdens we carry. But the truth is, everyone has their own struggles, often hidden from view. Life’s challenges are a shared human experience, not confined to any one group or individual.

Gratitude doesn’t negate the difficulties we face, but it does offer a way to cope with them. It allows us to see the beauty in our lives, even amidst the pain. The Belgian man's story is a poignant reminder to be grateful for what we have, to acknowledge our shared humanity, and to understand that everyone is fighting their own battles.

So, whatever life throws at you, hold onto gratitude. You never know how others suffer to have the kind of life you have now. Embrace each day with a heart full of thankfulness, and you might find that the burdens you carry are lighter than you thought.