I met an old lady, carrying a young child on her back, in one of the offices where i work. As busy as i was and rushing to finish off the task at hand, i could not ignore the aura of pain and discomfort that surrounded the patient. So i listened to what she was saying.
Her grandchild Y was greatly sick and coughing violently. He had been admitted in the Pediatric ward and was receiving medical attention. This old lady, in her late 60s (i approximated), had been present for her grandchild and in all the worry she had of losing her grandson and the emotional strain cutting through her soul due to other personal worries, she had fallen ill herself. I could tell, beyond the aura of distress around her and the fraility of her voice, that she was ill. I'm not a medical doctor, nurse or close to being a medical student, but i could tell she was not lying.
Unfortunately she did not have money or close to even having a medical aid card to pay for both the grandson and herself. The lady XX, assisting her asked her if there was anyone to help pay for her bill or someone to look after her grandson whilst she rested at home. She had none. The closest relative was her own mother whom she claimed was very old and could hardly walk.
She received help and found treatment. Good for her and her grandson. My aim was not to entice sadness in you but to make it clear to you that Zimbabweans and many Africans are facing problems. The old woman, being the source of livelihood to two lives: her grandson and mother, distressed and heartbroken, could not afford $2 pills for herself.
Comparing her life's worries and my own student cliche complaints, my own problems were but a speck of what she was going through. Think of the problems you are facing at your work place, at home, in your marriage, at school, wherever and stop for a few minutes. Listen to the one person next to you, anyone talking, and you'll thank God he has blessed you with more than you ever deserved.
Reach out and help a soul find new hope. Stop complaining and love your neighbour...
Oh how sad! One day I am going to be rich and help all those in need.
ReplyDeleteThat would be lovely, saving a life. But its not only about first getting rich. With the much or little you have, you can help a needy heart.
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