It got me thinking about "my" tuk tuk driver, Pros, who drives me to and from work every day. Pros always greets me with a large grin and kindly acknowledges my boggled efforts to speak Khmer (the Cambodian language). On average, Pros receives about $100 a month from me, depending on how often I call him for additional driving on the weekends. I hope he has other customers, but I honestly don't know. Either way, he's making more than the Cambodian garment workers, who earn $80 a month.
I make more money than that in a DAY, as do the majority of middle-class Americans. I'm healthy and able-bodied, evidenced by the fact that I was walking home from the gym. I have a comfortable home with generator-backed air conditioning, very welcome in this tropical climate. I have secure employment that lets me see the world. Yet, here I was brooding about the petty inconveniences of the day, even as Cambodians - likely with far larger concerns - took the time to give me a kind smile. I even passed a cute little boy who spontaneously called "Hello!" and cheerfully waved as I passed by.
So, today, I will strive to enjoy my holiday. I will tackle my to-do list, but try to be easy on myself if I don't finish it. I will endeavor to be kind to those around me, even if hiccups arise to test my patience and understanding. Mostly I will attempt to be grateful for all that I have and find that it is enough for me to be happy.
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| Tuk tuk driver Pros driving my friends Jess and Kim |
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