Myfather was fifteen, and my mother was eight. Neither knew the other. Yet, two unrelated events in that year were to define me.
In 1942, the world was in the midst of World War Two, a time of immense suffering. Millions of innocent lives were lost, and soldiers, women, and children bore the brunt of the violence. Resources, including food, were scarce, and people were forced to flee their homes, fearing for their lives. It was the biggest crisis of the last century, a dark cloud that hung over the world and left an indelible mark on humanity.
None of this war stuff was the cause of the events that defined my parents.
My father lost his father that year. His father was 48 years old, and suddenly my father, a teenage boy, had to deal with losing a parent. He was his family’s youngest child.
In the same year, 1942, my mother had to deal with a drama that no eight-year-old had to go through. Her mother had a mental breakdown. Due to violence, her mother was sent away to a mental asylum. My mother took the brunt of her mother’s anger before she was sent away.
At eight, that left my mother taking care of the family home, protecting her three-year-old sister and everything else and supporting her father through this mayhem. So she grew up without the love of a mother.
Meanwhile, my father’s anchor, his father, was also no more. This fifteen-year-old was helping his mother to be the breadwinner for the family. He did not ditch his studies but helped his mother run a neighbourhood corner grocery store. He studied at night and went through loads of hardship.
When I was born a decade and a half later, suddenly, I had a set of stoic parents. They were built of steel. They had gone through the trauma of loss and survived. They had become resilient and decided to ring-fence their child from the generational trauma. I was set up on a clean slate.
My parents consciously decided not to wallow about their challenging childhoods and instead prioritised my life and that of my younger siblings. This deliberate act of granting me freedom has played a significant role in shaping my character. It has given me the courage to think independently and without fear.
My grandfather and grandmother greatly influenced my parents, who instilled important values and sacrificed significantly. My grandfather placed education at the forefront of his priorities and dedicated himself to becoming an educator. Meanwhile, my grandmother persisted in the face of adversity and motivated her son to strive for his aspirations. As the eldest children in their respective families, my grandparents possessed natural leadership abilities. I have been fortunate enough to inherit my ancestors' genetic traits.
My extended family and the people in my village also showed me the beauty of pastoral life, which left a lasting impression on this boy. The values of living in harmony, cultivating camaraderie, protecting innocence, and enjoying playful days became an integral part of my being. It’s like a whole community imprinted these values in my DNA print.
On top of all that, English education in Catholic schools complemented what I acquired from village and community life. In my early teenage years, I spent four years in a Christian brothers' formative school. The blend of these experiences created a unique mix that added depth and flavour to my character. Additionally, I spent a brief time in a university during my teens, providing valuable life lessons and enriching my learning experience.
My friends who grew up with me tell me today that I was allowed a great degree of freedom from my parents. They say that I was allowed to do anything. I was a liberated lad, not knowing what it was to be micro-managed.
At 18, I commenced my career in the Telco industry as an apprentice. However, shortly after, I took a leap of faith and left Sri Lanka indefinitely for a job opportunity in booming Dubai. It was a significant turning point in my life. While there, I made a career shift to FinTech, which helped me expand my skill set and broaden my professional horizons.
Meanwhile, post my teenage years; my father became my friend. My mother was her usual stoic self, the last to show emotion. Yet, she continued to be a towering strength.
In the early 90s, I left Dubai with my young family and migrated to Australia with my parents' encouragement. We settled in this land of opportunity and found a welcoming home here. As a proud father, I have watched my four children grow to be young adults and thrive in Australia, pursuing their dreams and aspirations and raising their families with loving partners.
I work in the field of Digital technology and am grateful to have found fulfilling work that allows for a great work-life balance. Outside of my fulfilling career, I enjoy pursuing my hobbies.
I am a dreamer, a budding writer, an occasional artist, and an avid photographer. I have come a long way from my simple beginnings in a small Sri Lankan village.
This is my story, one of growth, learning, and discovery.
My origin was founded in 1942, long before me, by two incredible parents. Kudos to them and my ancestors before them.
Footnote
My parents did an incredible job raising three kids; their love and dedication have borne fruit in the form of ten grandkids. All across Australia and Canada, have pursued tertiary education and are now thriving in their chosen fields, living out their wildest dreams.
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