She smiled a little and slowly said, "My Dad met with an accident!" Indeed, she called her daughter the day before as part of her weekly routine and was later informed of the mishap. But, she was very sad for not being able to look after her elderly father, especially in time of need after the demise of her mother ten years ago! Anyway, she said that she felt a little better since she had sent some money to her second daughter last week from her salary as part of the monthly allowance and already told her daughter to take her grandfather to the hospital for some check ups, which was truly awesome on her part! Although I barely know her and her background but I noticed that she is a pious person who never fails to pray for her family.
Mrs P has been in this country for more than three years. She was in another Middle East nation for six years before she came here. That was a pretty long period isn't it to be away from home and did not see her three children who now aged 22, 21 and 17 and her only father for the past nine years! She left her country and landed a job in these lands of opportunities after the demise of her mother who was her staunch supporter and liken to a sturdy pole for her to hang on.
It all begun when her dear father visited her one day during monsoon season. Her father had witnessed her bruised body, tormented daily life and shabby home situation which all along she had difficulty but managed to hide from him. Her sad father was heart broken to see his lovely daughter who was badly treated by her abusive husband. Finally, her father had the courage and said to her, "P, either you go far away from here, or you'll die here!"
After much thought and coupled with her father's persuasion, encouragement and blessings Mrs P chose the former and left her family. In between sobs, she revealed that she was living with a jobless, abusive and alcoholic husband who was matched make to her by both her parents and in-laws. There was no love at first sight relationship but she was content with her fate and marriage life. Then, she found solace and little happiness with her children in her small farm and selling vegetables to make ends meet! But, that feelings did not last long with the constant and repeated abuse!
She still vividly remembered her youngest daughter now aged seventeen clinging and suckling to her motherly breasts for milk. And she has not seen her and what more to hug and chat with her as a normal mother-daughter bonding for the past nine years. Meaning, when she left her home country, her daughter was only an eight year old girl! Oh ... Hearing her story and the feelings of how much she had missed her children made my heart choked and tears welled in the eyes. My little heart shrinks and goes to Mrs P!
Since she had the opportunity to work abroad, she was able to send some money home for her children to go to school. Her eldest son has started working while her second girl just finished her college studies and now is seeking for jobs which is scarce and difficult to come by in her native place which according to her is quite an over populated country.
Her youngest daughter is still in high school and Mrs P hopes that she could enter college and to further her studies and then earn a reputable university degree. Indeed, she has high hopes for her youngest daughter who she believes so far was quite promising in her studies and it's time for her to make a change! She prays that this daughter will get a good job. In whatever way she is determined to assist her daughter to make a change for her and her familiy because that change is a ticket for the new era in her entire family circle. I looked at her and nodded. Very quietly deep in my heart I pray for Mrs P's hope to materialize ... May all her wishes come true!
This image is copy right of media.photobucket.com which truly captivating and captures my sights and souls. It fits well with the story of Mrs P who actually "a friend who reaches for my hands, instead has touched my heart!"
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