Started with Two Thousand Rupiah of Rice, Ended with Shopping to Her Heart's Content.

Medan City, North Sumatra - (11/03/26) Jessica Thamrin, commonly known as Jestham, carried out a simple but very meaningful social act. She met an elderly rickshaw puller whom she had given some rice worth two thousand rupiah a few days earlier. Jestham then invited the old man to shop for as much basic food as he wanted at a mini-market.

Their meeting began when Jestham saw the old man sitting near his rickshaw. She immediately approached him and asked if he still remembered her. "Sir, did you meet my husband yesterday who gave you the two thousand rupiah for rice? " "Jestham asked." The old man nodded. Jestham then offered to treat him to some shopping. "Today, I have some fortune and want to treat you to as much shopping as you like. "Do you want to?" she offered. The old man replied with gratitude, "Alhamdulillah (Praise be to God)."

Upon entering the store, Jestham began chatting with the old man to find out his needs. She asked his age. It turned out he was already 90 years old, much older than Jestham had estimated. "Wow, may you have a long life, Sir," Jestham said with a smile. The old man just smiled shyly. Jestham also asked how many family members were at home. The old man answered that there were six people living with him.

When asked what he wanted to buy, the old man innocently replied that he wanted to buy rice for his children at home. Jestham immediately fetched a sack of rice. She wasn't stingy when pouring the rice into a plastic bag, even though the old man said several times, "Don't take too much." Jestham kept adding more because she knew the needs of six people must be large. "It's okay; this is a blessing, Sir," Jestham said every time the old man hesitated.

Not only rice, but Jestham also got cooking oil and canned sardines. The old man kept thanking her and seemed not to expect to receive such a fortune. Jestham patiently accompanied the old man around the shopping aisles while continuing to chat. She seemed to really enjoy the moment of sharing with the friendly old man.

During the conversation, Jestham also asked about the old man's habits. It turned out that throughout his life, he had never smoked. Since he was a child, his parents had forbidden it, and at school, he was also not allowed to smoke. The old man also shared that he had been pulling a rickshaw since 1967, long before Jestham was born. Now at his very advanced age, pulling a rickshaw feels increasingly heavy, and his income is getting smaller.

Jestham then asked about Eid clothes. The old man admitted he had no plans to buy any because he usually gets clothes from donations. Jestham then gave a little extra money for his needs to welcome the holiday. However, with sincerity, the old man said he wanted to use the money for his children and grandchildren. The old man's attitude, always thinking of his family, made Jestham even more admiring.

Before parting, the old man asked for Jestham's full name. "My name is Jessica Thamrin, usually called Jestham," she answered. The old man then prayed that Jestham would always be given abundant fortune and blessings. Jestham thanked him and said goodbye to go home. This simple meeting teaches us that sharing happiness with others doesn't have to wait until we are rich. What matters most is the sincerity of the heart to help others.