Love and Loss

What is love?

Is love something we give only to our family and close friends? Or is it something deeper, something that goes beyond boundaries, roles, and expectations?

For me, love is found in the little moments of life—the connections we make, the joy we share, and the impact we leave on others.

I love what I do every day. I work closely with children, and being around them gives me immense happiness. Their innocence, curiosity, and energy fill me with a sense of purpose. When I am with them, I am truly present. I learn from them just as much as they learn from me.

A New Journey Begins

When I first got my assignment to work with children, I wasn’t sure what to expect. As a healthcare professional, I had never been a teacher, but I saw this as an opportunity to try something new. So, I said yes and stepped into this new journey with an open heart.

On my first day, I walked into a room filled with young, watchful eyes. The energy in the classroom was high, yet no one smiled at me. I realized that trust isn’t given freely—it must be earned.

So, I started slowly. I observed them carefully, noticing how they interacted with one another, how they formed friendships, and how they expressed emotions. And I learned a powerful lesson: when you are with children, truly be with them—not just for them. That’s when their world opens up to you.

The Power of Connection

After three months, something magical happened. I was no longer just an observer—I had become part of their world. Not just with one child, but with entire classes of second and third graders.

Every day, I found myself thinking about them:

How could I make tomorrow better for them?

 How could I help solve even the smallest of their problems?

 How could I make them feel seen, heard, and valued?

It became my daily mission, my passion.

Some children even started calling me “Pappa” (Father). Others would whisper that they wished I was their real father. Their words touched my heart deeply. It was then that I realized—this wasn’t just a job. It was love. I had fallen in love with these small souls, and my world had changed because of them.

Love and Goodbyes

But love comes with its challenges. My work required me to move frequently, never staying in one place for more than a year. And so, one day, I had to say goodbye.

It was one of the hardest decisions of my life—again. Leaving them behind felt like leaving a part of myself. Because when love becomes your greatest strength, it also becomes your greatest pain.

Saying goodbye to people you cherish, knowing things will never be the same when you meet again, is heartbreaking. Love brings joy, but it also brings deep sorrow when we have to part ways.

Key Takeaway

Love is everywhere. It’s not just about falling in love with one person—it’s about the connections we build in different ways, with different people. Love can be created, lost, and rebuilt again.

So, share love. Be kind. Make someone’s day a little better. Because in the end, love is what makes life truly meaningful.

Tariq Khan