Bobsy Blog 2021 No. 25

One of the most profound, long lasting lessons I have ever learnt came from my encounter with a street beggar in Hong Kong back in 1993. One early evening I was rushing to catch my ferry back to Lamma Island, an outlying Island here in Hong Kong, where I live. I only had ten minutes to make it to the gates. As I rushed along the Exchange Square footbridge, my eyes made contact with this street beggar, whom I had often spotted sitting quite serenely amongst people’s busy feet in the midst of their oblivion to his presence. The serenity in his eyes made me stop in my rush, and I automatically proceeded to give him the only HK$10 in my pocket, and in my bank account for that matter. I was aware that I was giving away my last pennies and my only way to get back home, yet it strangely felt like the right thing to do. The ferry ride back in those days was HK$ 9.5. Without thinking twice, I smiled at him and continued on my way to Pier No 4. Upon arriving at the ferry gates, the fact that I had no money to get on board made me smile to myself in amusement at my predicament. Fortuitously, I spotted a friend boarding the ferry and asked him nicely if he would lend me HK$10 to get home. He did, and I got home safe and sound to my lovely farmhouse, which I was renting, in North Lamma. Even though I had no more money, I felt quite serene and liberated. A sense of freedom washed over me and I felt rather empowered, because there I was, penniless, not worried or anxious or too concerned about what came next. A sense of peace put me to bed that night. The next morning I woke up as usual and went to check on my letter box at the end of the charming path. Lo and behold there was an envelope with a cheque made out to me in the princely sum of HK$10,000. That bright sunny morning, overlooking the South China Sea, I learnt the power of trust.

P.S. Above story is featured in “Dear Gratitude: An Anthology” by Chris Palmore, published in 2020

Until soon
Bobsy Gaia
Founder of MANA!