Recently I was the recipient of 2 marriage proposals. One was made jokingly by a 70+ year old grandfather with a wizened face and a twinkle in his eye. He suggested I pay him $4,000 American dollars for the privilege of marrying him and to support his hefty drinking habit (that was part of the joke-he doesn't drink). In return, he would divorce his equally aged wife (a minor detail). I would get not only him, but also his donkey (bonus points).
There was also a suggestion by another family member that since I have the space, the grandfather could move in with me. The donkey could have my the spare bedrooom. But I'll skip that part.
The second proposal went like this: if I give him the money I that I would spend anyway on a year's rent, I could marry a construction worker who lives in the countryside. He earns about 80 dirhams or roughly $10.00 a day. This little bit of money would allow for a diet of mostly bread and tea.
The first proposal was funny; the second one was just sad. Both underscore the perception here that all Americans are rich. That perception makes it difficult to ascertain real motives when it comes to marriage proposals.
There was also a suggestion by another family member that since I have the space, the grandfather could move in with me. The donkey could have my the spare bedrooom. But I'll skip that part.
The second proposal went like this: if I give him the money I that I would spend anyway on a year's rent, I could marry a construction worker who lives in the countryside. He earns about 80 dirhams or roughly $10.00 a day. This little bit of money would allow for a diet of mostly bread and tea.
The first proposal was funny; the second one was just sad. Both underscore the perception here that all Americans are rich. That perception makes it difficult to ascertain real motives when it comes to marriage proposals.
great post! and as you stated, bittersweet because i was LOL-ing at the 1st one! but the second one made me want to offer dua on behalf of those who have less and to thank Allah for the many blessings he has bestowed on me.
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