A friend recently shared a beautiful story about a young man who would visit an old man in hospital every day. He would spend time, help him with his food and taking his shower, walk him in the garden and reassure the old man that he was doing well. One day the nurse said to him that he was lucky to have a son like him.

The old man looked at her and said, ‘I wish I had a son like that. When the boy lost his father, I found him crying. I comforted him and bought him some candy. And for a long time, I never met him. When he grew up, he discovered where we lived and when I was unwell he took my wife home to care for her. One day I asked him why he cared so much for us. He smiled and simply replied: the taste of the candy is still in my mouth.’

Sometimes all it takes to make a lifetime of a difference to someone is touching their heart at a time when they need it the most. The toughest of situations become manageable when we know someone cares enough for us. What seems ordinary for us, can sometimes be an extraordinary experience of love for someone else.

And love harvested comes back as love reaped. When we find ourselves receiving much care and affection, of course we count our blessings, but somewhere, we too have planted the seeds of care. We may love without expectation, but we should not be surprised when it comes back to us in greater measure.

The flavour of food is in the ingredients we add. Life takes on a different flavour when we live it with the ingredients of love and care. When we touch someone’s heart, we give them a true taste of life, a taste that can sometimes stay for a lifetime.

(Picture-Papaya tree grown in a year from a few seeds that were randomly thrown)