"Inspirational Story — Chris Gardner"
Post on: September 21, 2020
Who would have thought that a homeless man would one day have a Hollywood movie made after him? Yes, in his darkest moments, Chris Gardner and his son had to find refuge in a bathroom at a railway station, in church shelters, park benches or anywhere they could find protection from the elements.
Gardner did not have a happy childhood. It was full of anxiety and struggles. In his autobiography, he emphasised that children should not go through ordeals like child abandonment, poverty, domestic violence and illiteracy. He had come a long way since his early struggles — a rag to riches story which elicits a feel-good factor.
After his divorce, he had to juggle between taking care of his son and bringing home the bacon. He had to take his meals at the soup kitchen to save whatever money he could to put his son in a nursery. He also took on a second job as a medical-equipment salesman to make ends meet.
A life-changing incident happened to him one day. He had a chance encounter with an impeccably dressed man parking a red Ferrari. This was something beyond Gardner’s comprehension. He could not fathom what the man did for a living which enabled him to flaunt such opulence. He approached the man and asked him directly.
The kind soul told Gardner that he was a stockbroker and he even arranged an interview for an internship for him. Gardner could not thank his lucky stars. Just as things were getting better, he was imprisoned for not paying his parking fines. As depicted in the movie, Gardner rushed for his interview in his shabby attire.
Though taken aback by such a deplorable state, the interviewers were impressed by Gardner’s enthusiasm and resolve to excel in the trade. He aced the interview with his self-confidence and wit. He was given an opportunity as an intern and was employed. Luck favours those who performed their very best without complaining that life is so unfair to them.
He was obsessed with work and the driving force of a good life for his son made him work his socks off. Soon, he reached the pinnacle of his success and was bestowed with riches and accolades.
In an interview, Gardner hailed his mother as his inspiration. Life was difficult as a young boy but his mom instilled confidence that would see him through the treacherous journeys of his life. His mom’s words, “Son, you can do or be anything that you want to do or be,” made an indelible mark in him. It was the greatest heirloom he could ever ask for. Her words and faith in him were the impetus to manoeuvre life’s obstacles. It was his guiding light as he cleared one hurdle after another!
In the movie “Pursuits of Happyness” which proceeded his autobiography, Will Smith played the role of Gardner superbly. It garnered a nomination for Best Actor in the Academy Awards. Smith’s splendid portrayal enabled viewers to feel the pulse of Gardner’s apprehension and ordeal as he experienced one setback after another. And his indomitable spirit kept him going forward.
Gardner’s wife died from cancer when she was only 55 years old. This made him re-evaluate his life. The last days he spent with his wife made him realise life was so transient. The experience resolved him to do something which could make the world a better place to be.
Though his illustrious career as a stockbroker brought him the trappings of an opulent life, he reinvented himself. He became a motivational speaker and author. He now travels around the world making an impact in the lives of many people, sponsoring several charities and organisations which includes combating violence against women.
Chris Gardner is a marvel. He debunks the notion that one’s childhood environment determines a person’s future. According to the school of thought, he should have ended up a wife beater, alcoholic or an illiterate steeped in poverty. However, his never-say-die-attitude and determination fly in the face of such assumptions. He became what he is known today – inspirational Chris Gardner.
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