I Promise to Keep Giving
Last week, we took our girls to celebrate a big family milestone, an intimate meal at a Michelin-rated restaurant in South Street Seaport. Then, to carry on a tradition that my wife started, we celebrated our gifts by giving to others. We took our girls to a popup shop called Choose Love, where each child could choose what to donate to refugees around the world.
We spent nearly half an hour walking through the store, learning about refugee experiences, thinking about how we could help, and reflecting on how fortunate we are. After our girls decided what to give, the volunteers surprised them with new notebooks with the NGOs name on the front - Choose Love.
The girls were thrilled, both by their giving and for their gift. But the highlight was yet to come. After we got home and got the girls to bed, Gunisha and I reflected on the night as we cleaned up. She opened up our older daughter’s notebook, which had a new handwritten message on the front page. She had written in big letters, “I promise I will always keep giving.”
My heart melted. Of everything we have been trying to instill in our girls, this was at the top of our list. And it was truly sinking in. We were starting to see the fruit of the tradition my wife had started years ago. By giving at every turn—birthdays, holidays, and more—she was helping our girls build a muscle for generosity.
It’s in this spirit that I’m reflecting on the past year. Gratitude for all that life has given me and a commitment to continue giving back in the years to come. 2022 was difficult for us in so many ways, not just for me, but for many of us. There were challenges and losses, as there often are in the life cycles of communities. And as always, there were victories and joys and so much to celebrate.
For me, 2022 was a landmark year. I had dreamed my whole life of writing a book for a premiere press that would become a national bestseller. I dreamed of all the things that come with being a published author, including a book tour and book parties and book festivals. I enjoyed all of it, and it wouldn’t have happened without my communities. It takes a village, they say, and my village is both extraordinary and expansive.
The core of my village is my family, and I’m so grateful to all of them for their endless support. My parents who were my strongest champions, attending so many of my book tour events and bringing their friends with them. My siblings and cousins who let me share about their lives and still bought copies to share with their friends and colleagues. My kids who gave me support and joy and light through the whole process.
And most importantly, my wife Gunisha, who has given so much to help me realize this dream. There are not enough words to articulate how grateful I am for all she has given and continues to give. The best I can do is channel those five words scrawled on my daughter’s new notebook. I promise I will always keep giving.