A Meaningful Coincidence: When Kindness Finds Its Way Back
A Meaningful Coincidence: When Kindness Finds Its Way Back
Pulo Brayan, Medan City - (10/20/25) Sometimes, unexpected blessings and encounters are the most beautiful reminders from the universe. In this special Jestham video, a heartwarming coincidence occurred when she unintentionally met again with a scavenger father (Bapak) in the parking lot of a minimarket. This wasn't their first meeting, but this "Jestham Treats" session was carried out differently and with full sincerity. Without haste, Jestham meticulously invited all of us to join her journey of gathering various basic necessities, which would later be arranged into a warm surprise for the father.
With a sincere intention, Jestham began her shopping mission. Accompanied by Bang Riki, she carefully selected items that were deemed most needed. Starting with rice as the most basic need, then continuing with various flavors of instant noodles, sardines, bread, and even bath soap. Every item placed into the cart wasn't just an object; it was a representation of attention and care.
After all the items were gathered, the most anticipated moment arrived. Carefully, Jestham approached the scavenger father, who was waiting outside, and invited him into the minimarket. Her warm greeting, "Have you eaten, Sir?" was answered briefly, "Not yet." This simple dialogue opened the gate to a deeper life story.
Upon seeing the pile of groceries intended for him, the scavenger father's expression changed. With teary eyes, he couldn't hold back his emotion. "Why are you sad, Sir?" Jestham asked. With a trembling voice, the father replied, "I have never been given anything like this by my own relatives." That sentence implied a long-standing loneliness, a feeling that in his hardship, no family cared. He also revealed that he has four children, but they are busy with their respective families.
What made it even more touching was the revelation that the grocery assistance Jestham had given previously wasn't used solely for himself. With a generous heart, the father shared part of it with neighbors he considered worse off than him. "As hard as my life is, there are others who have it harder, right? I gave some to others too," he said. His simple yet profound life philosophy teaches us about the true meaning of sharing, even amidst one's own lack.
The conversation then flowed to the father's daily condition. His income from scavenging is only around IDR 30,000 per day, which he must share with his wife, who also works as a scavenger. Amidst these limitations, they often only eat plain rice without side dishes when there is no money. Although he has BPJS (national health insurance), he chooses not to seek medical treatment because he can't stand the side effects of the medicine for his gout. He chooses to "let it heal on its own," surrendering to fate while continuing to strive.
Witnessing this father's resilience and generosity, Jestham then voluntarily provided additional assistance. The prayers offered by the scavenger father were so sincere: "May you and your family be healthy, may God make your sustenance plentiful." Prayers from a person with a pure heart, who, even in his hardship, prayed for the goodness of others. Jestham also reminded him to continue praying and sent her regards to his wife.
This encounter ended with a handshake and words of thanks. The scavenger father couldn't hide his tears. He said, "There is someone who helps me. I have many relatives, but none help." His words showed how precious the sincere attention he received was. This simple story reminds us that small acts of kindness can mean so much to those in need. Sharing not only helps materially but also warms the heart and strengthens the spirit.
