Footsteps Through Loss: A Father's Struggle for His Children

Lubuk Pakam, Deli Serdang—(03/06/25) Under the scorching midday sun, a middle-aged father stood resolutely by the roadside, his weary face etched with determination. His modest merchandise—simple bread priced at a thousand rupiah per piece—remained neatly arranged in his humble cart, with only a few pieces sold. Jestham, who happened to pass by, was struck by the poignant scene. What began as an ordinary interaction soon unfolded into a deeply moving moment as Jestham realized behind that genuine smile lay a story of immense personal struggle.

The Bread Seller: A Father Who Became Both Parents

The father shared that he had lost his wife six years ago during childbirth. Since then, he had been raising his children alone. "I do everything myself—laundry, cooking, all of it," he said softly. Yet, not once did he complain. For him, his children were his greatest motivation to rise each morning, pushing his cart through unpredictable weather—be it blistering heat or pouring rain—to sell his bread.

Jestham, deeply moved, made an impulsive decision. "If God has blessed me today, I’d like to buy all your remaining bread for my children. May I?" he asked. The father’s reaction was unexpected—his eyes widened in disbelief, and he stammered, "All of it? Are you serious?" It turned out that his journey as a street vendor had been fraught with hardships, from sluggish sales to cruel pranks by passersby who called out to him only to hide without buying anything.

When asked about his toughest struggles, the father sighed deeply. "Sometimes, I leave home under the scorching sun, only for rain to pour when I arrive here," he confessed. "It breaks my heart to think of my children at home, with no one to bring in the laundry." Yet, surrender was never an option. "No matter what, I keep going until every last piece is sold," he added with a quiet smile.

A simple but profound moment of joy arrived. As Jestham purchased his entire stock, the father whispered, "I never expected this—I can go home early today." When Jestham asked what message he had for his children, the man’s eyes glistened. "Study hard," he urged. "Don’t end up like your father. I endure sun and rain so you can have a better future." His words were plain, yet heavy with sacrifice—a father’s selfless love laid bare.

At the mention of his late wife, the father shook his head slowly. "There are no words," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "She was... an extraordinary mother." Jestham grieved silently with him, awed by the weight of the burden this man had carried alone all these years.

Before parting, Jestham offered a final encouragement: "Remember, Pak—God’s blessings can come from anywhere, as long as we keep striving and trust in Him." The father nodded gratefully, thankful for this rare early return home. His story serves as a reminder that behind life’s daily grind, countless hearts persevere out of love—especially the love of a father for his children. Stay strong, Pak! May God always walk beside those, like you, who labor with sincerity and faith.