Just reminded meself of this (small rp)
A guy called Faraj joined our team in the office; was a legal immigrant from Iraq and he and his family got out of dodge as quick as they could to our lovely rain-soaked country.
So a few months into work and he goes off on maternity leave, and just before he comes back we do a quick whip-around for a small prezzy and sign a card. He comes back into work and our manager calls for a quick team meeting in one of the break areas and she gives him a small bag and a card, while wishing him congratulations on becoming a dad again (he's got a few kids already).
He looked at the card, then us, and promply burst out crying. We were all a bit stunned by this, and sat there akwardly gobsmacked as we try to work out what to say or do.
After about 20 seconds of this, he started thanking us all and said that where he originally lived he wouldn't have got one comment of congratulations from anyone at all. He also would have been expected to carry on working the next day like nothing had happened. He announced that he was so lucky to work with people like us, then got up and walked back to his desk with a spring in his step.
Guess that kinda gives you a perspective on how good life actually is compared to others and teaches you not to take things for granted as much.
( Jeccius Steam Borderlands 2 junkie, Sun 5 Oct 2008, 11:18, 2 replies)

Lovely
but maternity leave? ;)
( e.m.m.y. foxtrot uniform charlie kilo india tango, Mon 6 Oct 2008, 9:57, closed)

Surely paternity leave?
(Musuko, Tue 7 Oct 2008, 15:46, closed)