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

Medan, North Sumatra (March 26, 2026)—Jesica Thamrin, commonly known as Jestham, carried out a simple but deeply meaningful act of kindness. She met an elderly rickshaw peddler whom she had previously given a small amount of rice a few days earlier. Jestham then invited the elderly man to shop for basic necessities to his heart’s content at a minimarket.

Their initial meeting occurred when Jestham saw the elderly man sitting near his rickshaw. She immediately approached him and asked if he remembered her. "Sir, the other day, you met my husband, right? He was the one who gave you the two-thousand-rupiah rice?" Jestham asked. The elderly man nodded. Jestham then offered to buy him some items. "Today, I have some fortune, and I want to treat you to a shopping spree. Would you like that?" Jestham offered. The elderly man replied with gratitude, "Alhamdulillah."

Upon entering the store, Jestham began to chat with the elderly man to learn about his needs. She asked his age. It turned out he was 90 years old, much older than Jestham had estimated. "Wow, God has blessed you with a long life, Sir," Jestham said with a smile. The elderly man just smiled shyly. Jestham also asked how many family members he had at home. The elderly man answered that six people lived with him.

When asked what he wanted to buy, the elderly man innocently replied that he wanted to buy rice for his children at home. Jestham immediately went to get a sack of rice. She was not stingy when pouring the rice into a plastic bag, even though the elderly man said several times, "Don't put too much." Jestham continued to add more because she knew the needs for six people would be substantial. "It's okay, it's a blessing, Sir," Jestham said each time the elderly man protested.

Not only rice, Jestham also got cooking oil and canned sardines. The elderly man continuously thanked her and seemed surprised to receive such a fortune. Jestham patiently accompanied the elderly man as he walked through every shelf, continuing to chat. She seemed to truly enjoy this moment of sharing with the kind, elderly man.

During their conversation, Jestham also asked about the elderly man's habits. It turned out that he had never smoked in his life. Since childhood, his parents had forbidden it, and it was also prohibited when he was in school. The elderly man also shared that he had been pedaling a rickshaw since 1967, long before Jestham was born. Now, at his very advanced age, pedaling a rickshaw feels heavier, and his earnings are getting smaller.

Jestham then asked about clothes for Eid. The elderly man admitted he had no plans to buy any because he usually received clothes as gifts from others. Jestham then gave a little extra blessing for his needs to welcome the holiday. However, with sincerity, the elderly man said he wanted to use the money for his children and grandchildren. This attitude, always thinking of his family, made Jestham admire him even more.

Before parting, the elderly man asked for Jestham's full name. "My name is Jesica Thamrin, usually called Jestham," she answered. The elderly man then prayed that Jestham would always be given abundant fortune and blessings. Jestham thanked him and said goodbye before heading home. This simple meeting teaches us that sharing happiness with others does not have to wait until one is rich. What matters most is the sincerity in one’s heart to help others.