My birthday passed 2 weeks ago- on July 19 to be precise.

As usual friends asked what i wanted for my birthday.
As usual, I said nothing.

Really,I have everything i need and want. I asked them instead to give me whatever amount it was which they wanted to pool in for my gift as a cheque addressed to my mother's charitable organisation.Simple reason, On my birthday, I wanted those who arent as fortunate as I too to have a good time. I wanted to help them. I wanted to bring a smile on their faces. On my birthday, to be honest I was expecting my friends to help me do the same. I believed they too would have understood my intention (especially since I had voiced it) and would have given me the cheque. That is where I guessed wrong. Seems like they didnt. And later once I express my disappointment they say they will give the money.Had I been a person who needed the money, I might have accepted it.With God's grace,I believe my family can continue with whatever good we are doing. We want others to understand what it is to give and see the person for whom their money is being put to use. It comes from within.Not by asking.Its a sad state already that many an organisation has to ask for the money. I wouldnt completely blame them. Many people wonder if their money is being put to good use. But if it were your own friend's organisation whom you know,whose intentions and passion is felt and expressed, wouldnt you consider it? just once atleast?

What I want is not your money, but your intention to help others, to make the world a better place.

That would have been the best present.
Afterall, its the thought that counts.