Jestham's Story and the Balloon Seller Father: A Pair of Crutches, a Bundle of Hope

Medan City, North Sumatra - (12/23/25) On a bustling roadside, Jestham met a middle-aged father who was selling balloons. What caught her attention was that this man was selling his wares while relying on crutches. His leg appeared swollen and seemed to be in pain. Despite this, he remained enthusiastic about offering his balloons to everyone who passed by.

Jestham approached him and asked, "How much is this balloon, sir?" The man replied, "Rp15,000." Jestham then inquired about the condition of his swollen leg. It turned out this ailment had been bothering him for a long time. "I've sought treatment, but it hasn't been effective. Sometimes it feels hot, like something is pulling," he explained. Even while in pain, he pushed himself to keep selling.

Every day, this father is only able to sell three to five balloons. His income is barely enough to get by. In fact, when Jestham asked how many balloons he had sold that day, he replied, "Only three." The less-than-ideal location of his spot meant he had few buyers. Yet he remained patient and persevered without complaining.

Jestham then bought one balloon. After paying, she gave him some extra money while saying, "Sir, this is a little extra for you to get some treatment. I hope you get well soon." The man looked surprised and touched. "May you be blessed with good fortune, Miss," he said with a trembling voice. Jestham just smiled and wished him continued good health.

This simple moment serves as a reminder that kindness doesn't have to be done on a grand scale. It's enough to be sensitive to others and willing to share. Jestham didn't just buy a balloon; she also showed genuine concern. Such small gestures turned out to mean a great deal to the balloon seller.

This man is a real example of someone who never gives up. Even though he suffers from pain and has a very limited income, he still strives. He doesn't complain and doesn't beg. He just keeps selling, waiting for customers one by one with extraordinary patience.

Hopefully, this story will make us more sensitive to those around us. Sometimes, what people around us need isn't just material things but also a sense of care and appreciation. Jestham has demonstrated this. Now, it's our turn to do similar acts of kindness in our own ways.