Silent Struggle: How a Father Hides His Wounds

Medan Tembung, Medan City—(03/15/25) A father, often portrayed as the pillar of the family, plays a role far deeper than merely being a breadwinner. He is willing to fight for his family against all odds. This truth became evident one afternoon when the sun began to scorch, and Jestham spotted an elderly man trudging along, pushing his rickety bicycle while selling tissue packets.

Though frail in appearance, beneath his weakened physique lay an unyielding determination to provide for his wife and children at home. Since early morning, he had been pedaling his worn-out bicycle, yet by noon, he had only managed to sell a single pack of tissues. Despite his exhaustion, his face radiated resilience as he spoke about his unbroken family. His wife worked as a housemaid, while his two children were his greatest pride. One of them had special needs, yet this only deepened his gratitude and pride as a father.

With glistening eyes, the old man expressed his resolve to keep striving for his children’s education—especially for his extraordinary child, whose enthusiasm for learning and religious devotion, including diligent Quran recitation, never wavered despite limitations. Jestham was deeply moved by the father’s relentless struggle in these economically challenging times. Seeing the unsold tissues still hanging from the bicycle, Jestham felt compelled to help.

"Sir, if I may—what if I bought all your remaining stock as a blessing from God?" Jestham asked. The old man was taken aback. "Alhamdulillah, thank you so much, my child," he replied, his voice trembling with gratitude. Jestham purchased every last pack, adding a little extra as divine providence intended for the man and his family.

Overwhelmed by the unexpected kindness, the father repeatedly praised God, his eyes brimming with emotion. "May you always be blessed with abundant sustenance, my child," he prayed earnestly for Jestham. As they talked further, it became clear that this 60-year-old man had been selling tissues since dawn, undeterred by age, all for his children’s future.

With quiet fortitude, he explained that his perseverance came from his duty to support his wife, pay for his children’s schooling, and cover their daily needs. When asked about his iftar meal during Ramadan, he answered simply—sometimes just tempeh or tofu, but he longed for fish if fortune allowed. Witnessing his unwavering patience, Jestham offered words of encouragement: "In life, we shouldn’t dwell on our hardships but instead count the far greater blessings God has bestowed upon us."

Behind his weary face and dripping sweat lay an extraordinary strength—a father’s silent vow to give his family the best he could. As the saying goes, "A father is neither an anchor to hold us back nor a sail to take us there, but a guiding light whose direction we follow." Stay strong, Dad.