Omid
by Farānak Kalīmanī
Omid used to live with his parents and his little sister on a beautifully green and grass-covered farm. Omid was 6 years old. Every morning, he would wake up sadly, feeling sorry for himself for having to start another day in a wheelchair. Because of this problem, he would never enjoy the beautiful things in life.
His father would always give him advices, promising him that there will come a day when his legs will be treated with the progress of medical sciences. But, Omid wouldn’t believe in the arrival of that day. Omid felt very sad whenever he would see other children easily walking and running, from his younger sister – who was 3 years old – to other children in the neighborhood who were older or a little bit younger than him. Yes. Days would keep going by for him with hardship.
One day, Omid’s mother faces him and says, “I want to tell you about the life story of a beautiful butterfly, about how it grew hopeful toward its short life. You see, when the little butterfly was born, it was very happy. But, that feeling disappeared when one of the larger butterflies told it that they can only last in this world for 4 days. And, ever since he realized his life was so short, the butterfly became very, very sad. The beautiful butterfly wondered how it can enjoy all the beauties of life as well. As the butterfly was thinking these thoughts, it started hearing an animal repeatedly calling for help. When it looked at the bottom of the tree that it had leaned on, it saw an ant that had fallen into water and was about to drown. The butterfly jumped and reached the ant, saving it with the help of its wings. The ant thanked the butterfly a lot and said, ‘You have saved my life.’ From then on, the butterfly and the ant became great friends. When the butterfly told the ant about how short its life was going to be, the ant became very sad. But, after thinking for a little while, it told the butterfly, ‘Well, that’s not a problem. The only thing that matters is for you to be able to enjoy all the beauties of the world in this small time.’ The ant continued, ‘With your beautiful wings, you can soar all over the grasslands, meadows and brooks, soar across the sky and be happy with all these things. During this short time, you have even been able to save my life. I wish I had wings like yours and could fly wherever I like.’ The butterfly thought about all the good things the ant said. Now, not only wasn’t it unhappy, but it was glad that kind God had given him an ability; and, he too can be happy and joyful in life.”
Upon hearing this story, Omid got lost in thought for the entire day. That night, when he slept, he dreamed of a truly beautiful butterfly which was singing and flying everywhere with happiness. Omid called for it, telling it, “Are you the same butterfly my mother just told its story to me?” It responded, “Yes! I am the same butterfly. Ever since the ant guided me, I am living happily.” Next, it told Omid, “You too can use your lifetime as greatly as possible and be happy. First, try to find your talents; and, then use them. Perhaps you can be a great painter in the future. Now, with the help of that piece of paper and those color pencils near your desk, try to make a painting of me.” With happiness, Omid tries to paint the butterfly. He does it a couple of times. And, finally, he is able to paint the butterfly as beautifully as it really is. When the butterfly sees the painting, it happily says, “You have painted me so beautifully. In this case, if you try hard enough, you will surely end up being a famous painter.” And, Omid thanks the butterfly greatly.
When Omid woke up the next morning, he was not feeling sad anymore. After eating breakfast that morning, he asked his mother to help him feed the chickens and roosters and help him with some chores. His mother became really glad when she noticed the change in her son’s attitude and behavior. Omid had a beautiful feeling whenever he would feed the animals or water the flowers. And, he enjoyed doing those things. He was even entertaining his little sister!
One day, Omid asked his mother for a couple of color pencils and a sketchbook for him to be able to start painting. He started painting, from trees and farms to flowers and animals. Of course, it was hard for him to do it at first. But, the more he tried, the better the results would get. His mother would also encourage him. Omid would even teach Painting to the neighborhood kids for free since he liked doing it.
One day, Omid’s mother told him, “Do you want to take part in children’s painting competition which is held between the children of the city?” He replied happily, “Yesss!” So, with the help of his mother, he sent a number of his best paintings to the competition. He then started waiting for the results. He was following the results of the competition by means of TV programs.
One day, the TV program was talking about the best paintings of their city. Suddenly, Omid heard his own name as one of the winners… God knows how happy Omid and his mother became…
When Omid’s neighbors and students heard about his success, all of them gladly came to his home and congratulated him… After receiving the prize, he made more and more efforts, also taking part in national contests and competitions. He received other prizes and turned into a famous person in the country, making his village and his city proud. As a matter of fact, Omid had made all these achievements before even starting his elementary school.
Omid had entered the age of 7 and now needed to go to school. On the very first day that he went to the school, a number of students approached him and started embracing him as they were proud of Omid. That was how that day turned into a memorable day for Omid. At the school, many kids wanted him to teach them how to paint. Days were going on one after the other; and, Omid was not even thinking about his wheelchair. He was only focusing on his future success and was trying harder and harder.
Omid repeatedly took part in international painting competitions. And, eventually, one of his artworks won a prize. Like a shining sun in his country’s sky, his name started gaining approval and reputation. And, he turned into a famous international figure. He greatly thanked kind God for having been able to become immensely successful. During the second grade, Omid was able to have the highest grade point average. He would help those students who were not performing very well at school. And, because of this, he had become even more liked among all the villagers.
One day, Omid’s mother approached him with great happiness, telling him that a very skillful doctor has come to the country, a doctor who is able to treat people like him who had lost their ability to walk. Upon hearing this news, Omid became very happy. He made an appointment with the doctor and met him alongside his family one day. After examining Omid, the doctor told him, “God willing, after the surgery and a couple sessions of physiotherapy, you will be fully treated. But, you must try very hard after that to gradually stand on your own two feet and begin walking. At first, you will feel severe pain. But, you must endure it.”
After the surgery, despite the great pain he was feeling, Omid persevered and tried really hard in order to be able to gradually walk. This was the best thing that had ever happened in Omid’s life. In order to acknowledge all the good things happening in his life, he was always grateful to great God. And, he was always looking for a chance to help all the people of his village.
Omid kept trying very hard and was able to gain great success in various educational stages. Eventually, he ended up as a famous university professor in our country….
So, yes, dear children… When we read the life story of Omid, we see how perseverance and having faith in kind God can help us with our problems in life and aid us in gaining great success.
