Be Thankful.
I’ve often wondered why the guy who owns the luggage store a few doors down from me comes to work all dressed up. Every day around noon, he walks down Orchard in a suit and newsboy cap with paper and briefcase in hand to open up shop. His wife, who runs the store with him, dresses simply and casually; it’s not really a job that requires your Sunday best.
This morning, as I was walking to the bank to deposit some cash into our bank account, I saw a man dressed in a suit standing outside a building silently passing out flyers. As I strolled by, I thought to myself that it looked a lot like the guy who owned the luggage store a few doors down. On the way back it was unmistakable – we locked glances for a second as I passed. I didn’t wave hello; perhaps I was worried that he’d be embarrassed that I noticed him there working his second job. I wondered to myself whether he had a son who’d end up spending that money on a new pair of Jordans.
It took a chance encounter during my walk through Chinatown to remind me of the immigrant struggle and how much I have to be thankful for. My parents have also made sacrifices to afford me the many opportunities that I have today, and it’s important for me to think back on them every time I feel like I’ve got it tough. Fact is, I’ve got it pretty good.