Not Visited by Children for 3 Years, Swollen Feet Still Determined to Make a Living

Medan City, North Sumatra—(27/02/26) A sad story unfolded one afternoon. An elderly grandfather still sat faithfully beside his rickshaw, even though his physical condition was far from healthy. Yet he remained on the street, hoping for passengers who would use his service. When Jestham approached and asked, "Sir, need a ride?" the old man just shook his head slowly and answered in a soft, weak voice, "No passengers."

Jestham did not leave immediately. She saw a deep sadness on the grandfather's face. "Sir, I have some blessings from God. How about we buy as many basic groceries as you want inside? Would you like that?"

The grandfather accepted the unexpected offer. "Come on, let's park your rickshaw first, Sir," Jestham invited. The old man slowly stood up, revealing his swollen feet. They walked slowly into the minimart. Inside, Jestham asked why the grandfather looked so gloomy. In a trembling voice, the grandfather answered, "I'm sad; life is hard." It turned out his wife had passed away. "Now, who do I live with? Alone," he lamented. Jestham listened patiently without interrupting.

Jestham then invited the grandfather to start choosing groceries. "Let's take the rice first, Sir," Jestham said. The grandfather nodded. After that, Jestham offered cooking oil, sardines, instant noodles, and dish soap. Several times the grandfather said, "Enough, enough." That's too much." But Jestham kept encouraging him, "Add some more; it's okay. This is a blessing, Sir." Jestham also picked up several packs of milk for the grandfather's daughter-in-law, who was sick. The old man could only comply, though his eyes began to well up.

As they headed to the cashier, the grandfather's tears fell. "I'm sad; I've never been given this much," he said. Jestham smiled. "It's no problem, a blessing for you, Sir." The grandfather admitted he was 75 years old. "I'm sad; I can't repay you," he said. Jestham tried to reassure him, "You don't need to repay me, Sir. God will repay you." After paying for the groceries, they sat down for a while. Jestham asked whether the grandfather had eaten. "Not yet; I keep thinking of my family at home," he answered sadly.

Jestham then asked about his children. The grandfather sighed deeply. "Four children. Two are far away," he said. Jestham asked whether his children often called. The grandfather shook his head. "Rarely. They don't remember their parent." His two daughters had not come home nor sent any news at all for three years. "Three years they haven't come home," the grandfather said, crying. "Father is sick, but the children have no idea."

Jestham then recorded the conversation. "Hopefully this video reaches your children, Sir. So they can see their father looking for them," Jestham said. The grandfather just nodded. Jestham also prayed, "May God soften their hearts, sir. Because God is the One who turns people's hearts, right." The grandfather agreed, "Amen, O Allah."

Jestham not only gave groceries but also gave money for medicine and the grandfather's needs. The grandfather accepted with trembling hands and blessed Jestham in return. "May you always have abundant blessings, Ma'am."

This story of the rickshaw grandfather teaches us many things. Never forget your parents, even though we are busy with our own lives. A short phone call or brief news means so much to those who are waiting at home. Jestham invites us all to care more about those around us. We do not have to give a lot. Just listening and keeping someone company is enough. Because any kindness, no matter how small, if done sincerely, will surely have an impact. Hopefully, the grandfather's children see this video, realize their mistake, and then come home. Because there is nothing that makes parents happier than seeing their children return home.