Take pause.. and look at back

Take time to pause and look back

Every decade of my life, I pause and look back.

Right after graduation, I began working whatever job came my way. From that moment onward, I learned to stand on my own feet, living independently while supporting my family. Life moved quickly, and every ten years became a mirror reflecting how far I had walked.

Then came higher studies in the USA, marriage, and the blessing of my son’s birth. Life also brought separation and divorce. The last decade was not easy. I struggled alone, worked for companies to survive, and continued caring for my parents through every storm life placed before me.

Now, when I ask myself what these years truly meant, I realize I did not spend them sitting helplessly in depression. Every single day, despite my pain, I cared for my son, my parents, and even my husband’s family. I suffered silently, yet my tears became strength. More than a decade ago, life left me standing alone in deep waters and asked me to swim through the toughest path imaginable.

When I look back at these ten years, I see resilience. I cleared debts. I raised and watched my son grow. I built my small rental home with determination and hope. I cooked for my mother-in-law with care and respect. I worked for my husband’s company for a short time and gave it my sincere effort, though it did not continue for long. My prayers answered with seeing him who came to wipe off my tears and the broken promise was never broken he made it our love life strong. I also shared beautiful moments with my son in Dubai and treasured precious time with my parents.

As I step into the coming decade, I see myself continuing to serve my parents while managing my work in Iraq. I stood in support of the Iranian people in their struggle for survival and humanity. I continue learning new skills and rebuilding myself every day.

Yes, I battled depression. But I chose to transform that pain into something constructive. I used it to shape a stronger and better life.

So today, I stop for a moment and ask:
When you look back at your own life, did you only waste time, or did you quietly do things that made your family proud?

— Jessy Jacob ❤️