Published at

    05 Sep, 2024

    Author

    Gripastudio

    Growing up, my dad didn’t always have the latest or trendiest items, and one story from his childhood stands out as a powerful reminder that it’s okay to be different—and sometimes, it’s even better.

    When my dad was about to start school, my grandma did something that would make him stand out: she made him a school bag by hand. Now, at the time, everyone else at school was carrying fancy hardcases with shiny locks, the kind that looked proper and expensive. But the bag my grandma made was completely different—it was handsewn from used but durable fabric, with a messenger-bag style, soft and simple.

    Naturally, my dad didn’t want to use it. He was embarrassed. He knew that kids might make fun of him because his bag didn’t look like theirs. He imagined the teasing, the mockeries, the comments about how his bag wasn’t “normal.” In a world where conformity was everything, having something that didn’t fit the mold felt like an open invitation for ridicule.

    But then my grandma told him something that changed the way he looked at the bag. She said, “This bag is one of a kind—no one else has it. While other bags are manufactured, this is purely handcrafted, with love. That makes it special.”

    She then went on to show him something no one else could see: a secret compartment, hidden from view but can be readily accessible. Inside, she had tucked away a small amount of money—just enough for him to grab a snack or take a ride home if he ever needed it. Today we'd call it emergency fund.

    Suddenly, the bag didn’t seem like a source of embarrassment. It was unique, and it had a hidden feature that made it even more special. No one else had a bag like that, and no one else knew about the secret my dad carried with him every day. My grandma’s message was clear: what makes us different is often what makes us special. We don’t need to look like everyone else to have something valuable to offer.

    That bag became a symbol of how it’s okay to stand out. Sure, it didn’t match the expensive leather-bound cases his classmates carried, but that was the point. It was different, it had its own story, and it offered something no one else’s bag could - his mother's love. And just like that bag, my dad learned to carry himself with confidence, embracing the fact that being unique wasn’t a flaw, but a strength.

    In today’s world, we’re often pressured to blend in, to conform to the standards set by others. Whether it’s the way we dress, the way we think, or the things we own, there’s a constant push to fit into the mold. But the truth is, the things that make us different are what set us apart and allow us to shine.

    It’s easy to feel embarrassed or ashamed when we don’t look or act like everyone else. But being unique isn’t something to hide—it’s something to celebrate. My dad’s handmade bag wasn’t just a bag; it was a reminder that our differences make us who we are. They give us depth, character, and a story that’s ours alone.

    So the next time you find yourself feeling out of place or different from those around you, remember this: just like that handmade school bag, you carry something special that no one else has. And sometimes, it’s those hidden details—the ones no one else sees—that hold the most value. It’s okay to be different. In fact, it’s better.

    Timeless memories, told by LK.

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