Well, I am posting this article which I had written for our local newspaper but they simply refused to print it as they found it 'unsuitable'.
Dear Goodhearted Person How would one define a goodhearted person? Well, English dictionary defines one as a kind, caring and generous person. It’s said that when you have a good heart – you help too much, your trust too much, you give too much, you love too much and finally it always seems you hurt the most. I would like to add kind, helpful, caring, understanding, patient, and loving are some of the words that come to my mind when asked to list the qualities of a goodhearted person. Well, the good hearted person that I am indicating here is none other my childhood and family friend MLA Mr Francis De Souza. A genuinely good hearted person who is simple, truthful, soft-spoken, humble, does not step on other people to get ahead. He is a man of humble beginnings who is known by all whether they are rich or poor, young or old as he basically has a charisma to interact with others which is a God given unique trait to him. He touched many people, and the outpouring of affection from his friends is incredible. Nevertheless, he treats people with dignity, and appreciates the goodness in them. His life is of great faith and generosity, a life of service to others, a life of simple joys. To me, personally Francis is “un grand bonhomme” or rather an incredible persona - who lives a full life, a successful life, mostly a happy life, without any regrets. He is a man of iron will and a man of unshakable dignity. He is a man of impeccable intuition; always a leader and yet a constant servant to his love for his family and friends. He does not have an unkind bone in his body. He believes that if you're on this earth, you better live it well with all sincerity. It’s incredible to say that inspite of whatever may come over him; he is always cheerful and witty and above all never talks ill of others, even about those who might have hurt him in one way or the other. People change and it’s often scary, as despite being a political figure, he maintains his friendship with one and all. His great achievements build a monument which shall endure until the sun grows cold. Apparently, many a times being a good hearted person seems like the worst possible thing to be, almost as if it’s a trait that works completely against you. However, being a good person does not always depend on your religion, status in life, culture or political views. I believe it depends on how good you treat others that shows your true character. In today’s world our huge problem that we face is others taking advantage of a good hearted person. But, let this not get to you ever, instead, let it be a lesson to realise that not everyone will truly appreciate your kindness. One of his beliefs in life is the importance of being authentic with people, and this is exactly Francis’s trait saying what needs to be said nothing more or nothing less at the most appropriate time. Unfortunately, his health is not so good at the moment and we need to pray instead of being insensitive to his ailment. He is a great man - he always will be to me. ARLETTE AZAVEDO
