2 Full Minutes of Blessings: A Father Who Has Never Shopped This Much, Tears of Emotion at Indomaret

Medan, North Sumatra (March 1, 2026)—Have we ever paused for a moment to ask what a father who works hard every day needs the most? The answer is simple: rice. That’s what happened in this latest sharing initiative, when a middle-aged father innocently answered a simple question about the most important necessity in his home. "Rice," he said briefly, without much thought.

The sharing actions carried out by Jestham always present unexpected moments. The concept is simple: giving those in need a chance to shop at Indomaret for 2 minutes, taking as many basic necessities as they can, without having to pay a single cent. And this father, with burning enthusiasm, immediately broke into a small jog between the store aisles. "Quick, quick! More, more!" shouted Jestham, directing the father to grab rice, soap, cooking oil, and various other necessities.

There was something different about this father. When asked what the hardest part of being a father was, his eyes welled up with tears. "Responsibility," he answered softly. These two words conveyed a great deal about his daily struggles. At 54 years old, he has to support 7 people at home: a wife, four children, and his parents. He works from morning until late at night, sometimes until midnight, just to ensure his family can eat.

The most heartbreaking moment came when he talked about his children. He couldn't hold back his tears. "Why are you sad, Sir?" asked Jestham. "When I talk about the kids, I get sad immediately," he answered, his voice breaking. "I hope they don't end up like me. Let me be the only one who goes through this." This statement echoes the prayer of every parent in the world—that their children will one day live a better life than they did.

The father admitted that he had never once shopped for this much. "I've never shopped for groceries this much before," he said repeatedly, as if unable to believe what had just happened. His eyes sparkled as he looked at all the items he could take home to his family. Rice, eggs, soap, cooking oil — he would give it all to his beloved wife and children.

When asked what food he wanted to take home, he answered shyly, "KFC, I guess." It had been a very long time since he last ate KFC—perhaps months or even years. But as a father, his children's and wife's happiness always comes first. "For the family, for everything, the important thing is to come home with rice and eggs," he said. Jestham didn't stop there. As an additional gift, she gave the father some cash. "Here's a little extra blessing for you, Sir. You can buy food or anything for the family," she said sincerely.

This sharing initiative is not just about providing material aid. More than that, it is about giving hope. About reminding us that amidst life's hardships, there are still hands ready to help.

At the end of their encounter, the father left a message for his children—and for all of us as well: "What matters is that I, as a father, seek what is halal (lawful) and don't get into trouble. Study hard, be good." And for his wife, who has stood by him for 17 years, he simply wanted to say thank you. "Even though I haven't been able to give you absolute happiness yet, I will keep trying, forever and always."

This is the true meaning of happiness—not about what we have, but about who struggles for us. May this act of kindness inspire us all to continue sharing with one another.