This is a true story...

It is a universal truth that "Teaching is a NOBLE PROFFESSION but a POOR TRADE". There are so many incidents in a teachers' life, which proves the truth of this statement. I served in SRI LANKA - a small beautiful island in the Indian ocean - for 50 years as a teacher out of my 70 years. There are some incidents I recollect, with emotions and they prove the truth of this statement. I wish to relate a recent incident.

After retiring from service I decided to come to America. Medical treatment in America is very costly, I heard. So before my departure, I consulted a doctor for a treatment. After discussion the doctor - a clever young person - told me the cost would be Rs.2500 (less than 25 US dollars).  A figure that was too much for a teacher. I agreed to pay and decided about a date.

On the day of the treatment and just before the procedure, I told him, I had to go back to school, therefore, I need a quick treatment.

All this time he did not know that I was a teacher.

Then he told with a smiling face "Thaththa (meaning father) please don’t misunderstand me but I DON’T TAKE MONEY FROM TEACHERS FOR TREATMENTS. I was in full of emotions, not because I am getting a free treatment but because of the immense unbiased GRATITUDE that he was showing to teachers in general. I got up and embraced the doctor who was not a student of mine. We were held together for a moment. Releasing from the hugging I told him

"Putha (meaning son) you are so grateful to teachers".

He said

"Yes I am working as a DOCTER because of my teachers. None of my batch mates escaped punishment from our teachers. They wanted to make us great and we are ever grateful to our teachers".

Further, after the treatment he bow down and worshipped me.

I was in tears.

Written by S.D.S Senadheera