By Yin Nwe Ko
In the bustling streets of my town, where time seems to dart forward and backwards with every passing moment, there exists a figure of reliability amidst the chaos – Mr Hnaung, the trishaw carrier. At the age of late 40s, Mr Hnaung embodies both strength and kindness, making him a beacon of hope for many, including myself, a septuagenarian navigating the streets of life.
For years, I’ve relied on modes of transportation that suit my age and capabilities, be it a bicycle or a motorbike. However, with the passage of time, my children have become increasingly cautious, urging me to refrain from venturing out on my own. Thus, I found solace in the convenience of trishaws, albeit with occasional frustrations stemming from long waits and unaccommodating carriers.
But amidst the sea of discontent, a ray of sunshine emerged in the form of Mr Hnaung. Unlike his counterparts, he exuded warmth and courtesy, traits that endeared him to many, myself included. With a simple phone call, he would promptly appear, ready to ferry me to my destination with a smile and a kind word.
Our encounters became a daily ritual, each trip accompanied by pleasant conversations and acts of kindness, such as helping me purchase groceries or accompanying me on errands. Mr. Hnaung’s presence brought a sense of ease and comfort to my otherwise mundane routines.
However, as fate would have it, my source of joy was abruptly halted when I received news of Mr Hnaung’s departure from military service. Despite being well past the age limit for conscription, he willingly volunteered a decision that left me in awe of his bravery and selflessness.
In a time when many sought to evade military duty, Mr. Hnaung’s unwavering commitment to serve his country stood as a testament to his character. His actions reminded me of the importance of sacrifice and duty, virtues often overshadowed in today’s fast-paced world.
As I reflect on Mr Hnaung’s journey, I am reminded that heroes come in many forms, and sometimes, they walk among us in the guise of a humble tri-shawl carrier. Though his absence leaves a void in my daily life, his legacy of kindness and bravery will forever remain etched in my heart.
In the midst of life’s uncertainties, let us draw inspiration from Mr Hnaung’s unwavering spirit, embracing each day with courage and compassion, knowing that even the smallest acts of kindness can leave a lasting impact on those around us.
But amidst the sea of discontent, a ray of sunshine emerged in the form of Mr Hnaung. His physical appearance was striking – a tall, wiry figure with a weathered face etched with lines of experience and kindness. His deep-set eyes held a glimmer of warmth, and his salt-and-pepper hair spoke of years spent navigating the streets of our town. Despite the toll of his labour, there was an air of dignity and grace about him that commanded respect.
As mentioned above, unlike his counterparts, he exuded warmth and courtesy, traits that endeared him to many, myself included. With a simple phone call, he would promptly appear, ready to ferry me to my destination with a smile and a kind word.
Therefore, our encounters became a daily ritual, each trip accompanied by pleasant conversations and acts of kindness, such as helping me purchase groceries or accompanying me on errands. Mr Hnaung’s presence brought a sense of ease and comfort to my otherwise mundane routines.
However, as fate would have it, my source of joy was abruptly halted when I received news of Mr Hnaung’s decision for military service. Despite being well past the age limit for conscription, he willingly volunteered a decision that left me in awe of his bravery and selflessness.
In a time when many sought to evade military duty, Mr Hnaung’s unwavering commitment to serving his country stood as a testament to his character. His actions reminded me of the importance of sacrifice and duty, virtues often overshadowed in today’s fast-paced world. Though his absence leaves a void in my daily life, his legacy of kindness and bravery will forever remain etched in my heart.
Among life’s uncertainties, we can draw inspiration from Mr Hnaung’s unwavering spirit, embracing each day with courage and compassion, knowing that even the most minor acts of kindness can leave a lasting impact on those around us.
As I stand amidst the bustling streets, my heart heavy with the absence of Mr Hnaung, I find solace in the knowledge that his journey continues in a different realm. His decision to serve in the military, despite the comforts of his familiar routine, speaks volumes about the depth of his character and his unwavering commitment to his country.
In a world often marred by selfish pursuits and fleeting desires, Mr Hnaung’s selfless act serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us of the noble virtues of sacrifice and duty. His willingness to answer the call of duty, even at an age where many would seek refuge from such responsibilities, inspires us to look beyond our own needs and consider the greater good.
As I bid farewell to Mr Hnaung, I carry with me a renewed sense of purpose and gratitude for the sacrifices made by individuals like him. In his absence, I am reminded that true fulfilment lies not in the pursuit of personal gain but in the service of others and the greater good of society.
So, let us honour the legacy of Mr Hnaung by embracing the values of service and sacrifice in our own lives. Let us strive to make a difference, however small, in the lives of those around us, knowing that our actions have the power to shape the world for the better.
In times of uncertainty and turmoil, the call to serve one’s country echoes louder than ever. It is during these moments that individuals like Mr Hnaung, with their unwavering commitment to duty and sacrifice, shine as beacons of hope and inspiration for us all. As our nation faces challenges on multiple fronts, the importance of military service cannot be overstated, and Mr Hnaung’s decision to answer this call must be celebrated and encouraged.
Mr Hnaung’s journey from a humble trishaw carrier to a soldier in service of his country is a testament to his courage, selflessness, and unwavering sense of duty. Despite being well past the age limit for conscription, he willingly volunteered to join the military, demonstrating a rare and admirable dedication to the greater good. In a society where personal comfort and convenience often take precedence, Mr Hnaung’s decision to prioritize service above self is genuinely commendable.
The current situation in our country demands the collective efforts of all its citizens to overcome challenges and safeguard our nation’s security and prosperity. With threats looming both domestically and internationally, the role of the military in ensuring the safety and well-being of our citizens cannot be overstated. It is imperative that we recognize and appreciate the sacrifices made by individuals like Mr Hnaung, who selflessly devote themselves to protecting our freedoms and preserving our way of life.
Moreover, Mr Hnaung’s example serves as a powerful reminder of the values that define us as a nation – courage, integrity, and unity in the face of adversity. His willingness to step forward in service of his country, despite the risks and challenges involved, embodies the very essence of patriotism and citizenship. In an era marked by divisiveness and discord, Mr Hnaung’s actions inspire us to set aside our differences and work together for the greater good of our nation.
As we celebrate Mr Hnaung’s decision to serve in the military, it is incumbent upon us to extend our support and gratitude to all those who wear the uniform of our armed forces. Their sacrifices, both seen and unseen, ensure the safety and security of our nation and uphold the values that we hold dear. It is through their dedication and commitment that we are able to enjoy the freedoms and opportunities that define our way of life.
Furthermore, Mr Hnaung’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of national service and civic duty. While not everyone may be called to serve in the military, there are countless ways in which we can contribute to the betterment of our society and our country. Whether through volunteering, community service, or simply being an engaged and responsible citizen, each of us has a role to play in shaping the future of our nation.
In sum, Mr Hnaung’s decision to serve in the military is a testament to the enduring spirit of patriotism and sacrifice that defines our nation. His example serves as a source of inspiration and encouragement for us all, reminding us of the importance of service and duty in safeguarding our nation’s security and prosperity. As we celebrate his courage and dedication, let us also reaffirm our own commitment to serving our country and upholding the values that unite us as a nation. As the sun sets on another day in my town, I take comfort in the knowledge that Mr Hnaung’s spirit lives on in the hearts of those he touched, and his example will continue to guide us toward a brighter, more compassionate future. To be honest, I find it challenging to manoeuvre with a close trishaw carrier. I respect Mr Hnaung, but I do miss him.
(Based on The True Story)
