A LETTER FROM A CLIENT

One of the perks [if you could call so] of my job as a software consultant is an opportunity to travel; visit new places, meet new people and try to understand different societies & people’s behaviour. Being a very open minded and a highly perceptive person that I am, I have been fascinated by how strikingly similar they are in one or the other ways, though they are geographically apart and culturally different. My perceptions have changed with time; have changed for the good. I don’t like to be opinionated or judgemental on most of the things; I find it hard sometimes to distinguish between right and wrong, good and bad; as I believe it depends on which side of the coin you are looking at.

Anyways, it was my first assignment to US as a consultant in 2001. As I had been just out of college, I was a little nervous. I didn’t know what to expect of the visit. But, it turned out to be a wonderful experience and the one that would reinforce my faith on people and belief on human behaviour. I had a very memorable time and made lots of friends. When I wanted to return back to India, to be back with my family, a party was thrown and one of the clients handed me over this greetings envelope [sealed] with the cover written - ‘To Guru’s Mom & Dad’. She also asked me not to open it myself; instead, to give it to my parents.
After I returned home, I handed over the envelope to my father. I was quite curious to know what was in it. The card read ‘Thank You so Much…It was so nice of you and appreciated more than words can say’. Along with it, was a letter, which read as follows:-
Dear Guru’s Mom and Dad,
I would like to take this opportunity to tell you that the sacrifice you have made, by allowing Guru to come to Phoenix, has enriched the lives of others. It could not have been an easy thing for you. I know that because it is not easy for me to see him go.
I want you to know that the time that Guru was away from you, he was busy sharing with others the beautiful, caring and wonderful soul that he is and making us all better people by knowing him.
Guru has so often talked about having a father who is a great teacher to others. You should be proud to know that he has observed you well. He is also a great teacher to others. He inspires us all to seek out knowledge and learn what we can so we can grow. I hear the pride and admiration he has for his parents when he talks about his childhood and his family. I see such positive moral values, a great sense of humour and above all, a gifted humanitarian.
I know you are very proud to see the man he has grown to be and I am very thankful to have had him cross through my life. I know all of his co-workers here in Phoenix will say the same. So, thank you for your gift to us and I hope you are happy to have him home.
My Best Regards,
Tammy Warner

I have received lots of appreciations and recognitions from many in my career so far, but this one still holds a special place.