Akiba – The Unsung hero
Landing a job after university felt like winning the jackpot in life’s unpredictable lottery. In a competitive job market, the stars aligned, and I found myself stepping into the professional world, armed with the knowledge and skills acquired during my academic journey. The stroke of luck in securing employment not only provided a sense of financial stability but also granted me the opportunity to embark on a career path aligned with my passions and aspirations. Grateful for the chance to translate my education into real-world experience, I recognized the privilege of a smooth transition from academia to the workforce, understanding that not everyone is afforded such a fortunate start to their post-university endeavours.
In the early years of my career, I found myself caught in the clash between my aspirations for a luxurious lifestyle and my father’s steadfast commitment to financial responsibility. While I yearned for the finer things in life, my father, a wise and frugal man, insisted on creating and consistently contributing to what he liked to call Akiba. These monthly financial check-ups became a source of discomfort for me, as they felt like a recurring reminder of my father’s conservative approach to money. I couldn’t help but perceive them as attempts to control my financial choices and stifle my desires for a more opulent existence.
During those tense sessions, my father would meticulously scrutinize my expenditures, emphasizing the importance of having savings. He would recount stories of unforeseen emergencies and financial disasters, urging me to prioritize a consistent saving and investment plan and not living life on the premise that money will always be there. In my youthful rebellion, I perceived his guidance as an attempt to restrict my freedom of living the lifestyle I wanted. The clash of our financial philosophies created an underlying tension, making those check-ups feel like a battle between the life I envisioned and the one my father insisted I embrace. Little did I know that the lessons embedded in those uncomfortable discussions would become a lifeline in the face of the unexpected challenges life would later throw at me.
Then, one by one, life threw an unexpected challenge at me that unravelled the layers of my scepticism.
The arrival of Covid-19 brought an unexpected storm into our lives, wreaking havoc not only on our physical health but also casting a shadow over my father’s mental well-being. As he battled the virus, the toll on his body was palpable. Days marked by relentless coughing, debilitating fatigue, and the incessant struggle to breathe became the new norm. Witnessing his physical deterioration was a heartbreaking experience, as the virus seemed to strip away the vitality that once defined him. The hospital visits became a haunting routine, the sterile environment a stark contrast to the warmth of our family home.
However, the impact on my father transcended the confines of the physical realm. The isolation imposed by the pandemic exacerbated his mental health, transforming his once vibrant spirit into a shadow of its former self. The separation from loved ones, compounded by the fear of the unknown, took a toll on his resilience. The emotional toll of witnessing the suffering of others in the hospital, combined with the uncertainty surrounding his own recovery, cast a heavy cloud over his usually optimistic demeanour. The sense of helplessness in the face of an invisible adversary left its mark on his psyche, creating a profound emotional struggle that mirrored the global anguish of those tumultuous times.
Yet, amidst the darkness, there were glimmers of resilience. Video calls became a lifeline, connecting him with family and friends, offering a semblance of normalcy amid chaos. It was a testament to the strength of the human spirit, as he, along with countless others, navigated the turbulent waters of a pandemic that not only challenged bodies but also tested the fortitude of the mind.
As the ominous shadow of Covid-19 loomed over our family, my father’s health hanging in the balance, it was our Akiba that emerged as the unsung hero in our battle against the merciless virus. The medical bills, steep and seemingly insurmountable, threatened to add financial strain to the already emotionally charged atmosphere. Yet, with a sense of gratitude for those monthly contributions that once felt burdensome, I found solace in the fact that our emergency fund stood as a formidable fortress, shielding us from the financial tempest that accompanied my father’s illness.
The fund became the financial cornerstone that allowed us to prioritize his health without the added burden of crippling medical expenses. From the intensive care unit to the subsequent weeks of recovery, each medical bill was settled with a profound sense of relief, as the weight of financial worry was lifted, granting us the space to focus on what truly mattered – my father’s healing. The love that bound our family together proved to be a force stronger than any monetary value, and it was this love that fuelled our determination to see him through the darkest days.
Steadily, as the weeks passed, so did the incremental improvements in my father’s health. The recuperation process was arduous, marked by moments of triumph and setbacks, but our commitment to his well-being remained unwavering. The emergency fund, once a source of scepticism, transformed into a symbol of security and love, ensuring that every medical need was met, every rehabilitation session attended, and every step towards recovery taken with the confidence that financial stability provided. In the end, it was not just the numbers in the fund that mattered; it was the immeasurable value of a father’s health and the resilience of a family bound by love that triumphed over adversity.
Through these tumultuous months, my scepticism transformed into gratitude and respect for Akiba my father had urged me to create. It became the cornerstone that held our family together during a storm of unprecedented challenges. My initial disbelief gave way to a newfound understanding of the importance of financial preparedness.
Today, as I look back on that once-sceptical young person, I am a firm believer in the value of an Akiba. It is not just a financial cushion; it is a lifeline that can turn the tide when life takes an unexpected turn. My journey with Akiba has not only saved my family during our darkest hours but has also taught me the invaluable lesson of planning for the unpredictable, because life, as I’ve learned, has a way of surprising us when we least expect it.
