Behind the Sweat, There Is Love: A Helping Hand for the Street Warrior

Medan Sunggal, Medan City—(25/05/25) In a bustling street corner, Jestham noticed an elderly man sitting on his worn-out pedicab. His wrinkled face and slightly trembling hands revealed the hardships he had endured. Despite being 73 years old, his desire to earn a living never wavered. Without hesitation, Jestham approached him and offered to take him on a free grocery shopping trip. With a wide smile, the man—who introduced himself as Mr. Aliandu—gladly accepted the kind offer. This simple encounter marked the beginning of a deeply meaningful moment.

Inside a nearby minimarket, Jestham patiently helped Mr. Aliandu pick out daily necessities. One by one, they placed rice, cooking oil, sugar, his favorite coffee, and even snacks for his eight beloved grandchildren into the shopping cart. The grandfather’s face lit up, his eyes gleaming with immeasurable gratitude and joy. Each item they collected seemed to answer the prayers and hopes he had fervently held onto. Beyond providing essential goods, Jestham also took the time to listen attentively to Mr. Aliandu’s stories—his life’s struggles and the challenges he had faced.

During their conversation, Mr. Aliandu shared how unpredictable his income was as a pedicab driver. "Sometimes it’s enough, but often I come home empty-handed," he said softly. Yet, he never complained. "What matters is that we keep trying," he added with a determined spark in his eyes. These values of honesty and hard work were what he instilled in his five children and eight grandchildren. "Never cheat or do wrong," he firmly advised.

Despite his age, Mr. Aliandu remained passionate about working. Even when his stomach ailment flared up, he refused to stop striving. "Work is an act of worship," he said, wiping the sweat from his forehead. Jestham was deeply moved by the old man’s resilience, assuring him that their meeting was part of a beautiful divine plan.

The Selflessness and Resilience of a Provider’s Spirit

As their time together came to an end, Jestham handed him a small additional gift of money. Mr. Aliandu accepted it with trembling hands, whispering, "Alhamdulillah" (Praise be to God). He planned to bring all the aid home to his devoted wife, who had stood by his side for decades. "My dear wife, thank you for staying with me from youth till old age," he said, his voice quivering with emotion.

Behind Mr. Aliandu’s humble appearance lies an inspiring strength. This story teaches us that blessings can come from unexpected places, and even the smallest act of kindness can mean the world to someone. Jestham ended their meeting with a heartfelt prayer for the grandfather’s family.

Behind the wrinkles that bear the weight of exhaustion, Mr. Aliandu teaches us about perseverance that never surrenders. May the hands that have pedaled his pedicab for years finally find ease; may the heart he guarded with honesty be filled with peace. In every step he takes to earn a living, may the roads become smoother, may his blessings multiply, and may good health always accompany him. For a man as good as this deserves more than just groceries—he deserves genuine happiness and lighter days ahead.