The Power of Lollipop Moments: Gratitude and Reflection

Momin Hashmi
5 min readAug 24, 2023

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The small random acts of kindness are called “Lollipop Moments” -Drew Dudley

In our lives, there are these magical instances known as “Lollipop moments.” These moments may seem like small acts of kindness at first, but they have the potential to create a profound impact on someone’s life. They are like the sweet taste of a lollipop — seemingly simple, yet immensely delightful.

Each one of us carries a collection of these moments, and interestingly, they sometimes play a decisive role in shaping our futures. Take, for instance, the time when I had to venture far from home to attend university. The fear was overwhelming, but it was during this moment of uncertainty that my cousin and friend stepped in. They shared their experiences and insights into university life, offering a reassuring perspective that convinced me to seize the opportunity.

These “Lollipop moments” are often created by those we hold in the highest regard. In my life, there are three individuals who have been instrumental in crafting these moments. Recently, I took some time to reflect on their impact and express my gratitude. I decided to pen heartfelt letters to these three remarkable people who have shaped my life in profound ways.

In the following sections, I’ll share these letters with you, as I believe it’s essential to recognize and appreciate those who have sprinkled our lives with these sweet, unexpected moments of kindness. So, stay tuned to discover the heartfelt expressions of thankfulness that I had the privilege to share with these extraordinary individuals.

A Mother’s Sacrifice: My Lifelong Commitment

“When you look into your mother’s eyes, you know that is the purest love you can find on this earth.” — Mitch Albom.

As I sat down to write a letter to my mother, I found myself deeply immersed in a whirlwind of memories and emotions. I couldn’t help but reflect on the countless moments she selflessly stood by my side, despite battling her own medical issues. To me, she is an absolute treasure, a living testament to unwavering love and resilience.

I’ve witnessed my mother’s incredible leadership firsthand, particularly during the most challenging period of our lives — 14 years ago, when we lost my father. In the face of adversity, she stepped into a role that demanded unwavering strength and responsibility. With grace and determination, she shouldered the responsibility of not only my well-being but that of my siblings as well. Every challenge that life hurled her way, she met with unwavering bravery.

She sacrificed what could have been the golden years of her life for the sake of her children. Her resolve to provide us with an education at any cost has left an indelible mark on my heart. It’s a testament to her unwavering commitment to our betterment, and it’s a debt I can never fully repay.

My ultimate life’s aim revolves around one central goal — to make my mother’s life as wonderful as possible. It’s a debt of love and gratitude I carry in my heart, driving me forward each day. I have a few specific dreams and aspirations that I hold dear regarding her. One is to perform Hajj alongside my mother, a journey of spiritual significance that I hope to embark on together. Another dream is to embark on a world tour, exploring the wonders of our planet with the woman who has shown me the wonders of love and sacrifice.

In these aspirations and dreams, I find my purpose and motivation. They are a reminder of the debt of love and gratitude that I carry and my lifelong commitment to making my mother’s life as beautiful as she has made mine.

A Sister’s Love: Acknowledging a Lifetime of Support

There’s a unique sense of blessing that washes over me when I see my siblings rally around to support me. Being the youngest amongst them, their guidance and encouragement have been my guiding light, propelling me to where I stand today. Among them, it’s my sister who has made an immense contribution to shaping the person I’ve become.

As I started to pen this letter to her, a number of memories washed over me, each one a sweet “lollipop moment” where her role transcended that of a sister; she became a teacher and mentor. These are the moments when she stepped in to offer her wisdom, her guidance, and her unwavering support.

Sending this letter to her has been an experience like no other. It’s a testament to the love and support she’s given me over the years, a love that has shaped me in ways words can’t fully capture. It’s an expression of gratitude, an acknowledgment of the incredible person she is, and a promise that her role in my life will forever be cherished.

In this letter, I hope to convey just a fraction of the appreciation and love I hold for her. It’s a reminder that sometimes, amidst the hustle and bustle of life, it’s essential to pause and acknowledge those who have made an indelible mark on our hearts.

In the Company of Diamonds: Celebrating True Friendship

“A friend is one who makes it easy to believe in yourself “— Heidi Wills

In the journey of life, I count myself incredibly fortunate to have a friend who is as precious as a diamond. During life’s most trying moments, he has stood by my side, offering guidance that has helped me remain composed and positive.

Together, we’ve celebrated numerous ‘lollipop moments’ — those sweet, unexpected instances that add a sprinkle of joy to our lives. But what sets this friendship apart is his unwavering commitment to helping me discover myself. He encourages me to dive deeper into understanding my own Khudi, my essence, my purpose.

Recently, I had the pleasure of writing a heartfelt letter to this dear friend, a letter that encapsulated the essence of our friendship. It was a moment of reflection and gratitude for the incredible bond we share, a bond that embodies the very essence of true friendship.

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Momin Hashmi

Content and creative writer. Bachelors in English Language and Literature (2020-2024) from National University of Modern Languages, Islamabad