The Little Engine That Could (April 13, 2009)

This is probably a classic in children's literature and had been a favourite during the holiday season. As the toys were in dire need of help to be transported to the city, the first three trains that passed by didn't offer help but were also arrogant, proud, and helpless. The last train gave them hope as the little Blue Train not only asked kindly about the toy's dilemma but also offered her help to carry them around the mountain to reach their final destination.

An article about Dr. A P Nikhil "Jai" in Bangkok Post's the magazine tells about the story of Dr. Jai who is a self-made millionaire. He firmly believes that helping is not giving alms to the poor but rather giving them a chance to work on their own by providing them with the basic necessities of life: food, clothing and shelter. By these provisions, the underprivileged can rise up and get on with their lives. However, this kind of generosity can materialize only when one has the resources of which he have.

Not everyone will extend help to give us what we need at that particular time. It may be money, time, a listening ear or companionship that we seek but the trains of our lives will not be stopping at each wave of our hand. Sometimes, we have to deal with the situation on our own. We need to look after ourselves. Lucky if we get to stop an arriving train on its track so we can hop on and arrive our destination.

The likes of Dr. Jai is rare, but the desire to help others is abundant. In our own little ways, we could extend our sympathy and lend some of our time. In our own little ways, we could make another life one more mile worth to live. Little people like us, just like the little engine, are not mere breathing mortals. It is only human, and humane, to reach out to others.