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Parents often teach their children, from a young age, that they should not bite the hand that feeds them, not realising that they themselves, do not practice what they preach.

Abdulla was born in 1935. He came from a poor family of eight. Being the oldest, he grew up helping his father in the farm. At the age of 27, he met a beautiful young lady by the name of Rasheeda. Within a few months the couple wedded and soon had a beautiful little girl by the name of Shahida. Every morning, Abdulla woke up at 6a.m and began his one hour journey to the farm that he had inherited from his dad. He would return home at 5p.m. exhausted and worn out only to cook dinner for his family. He loved his family so dear; he made a vow to himself that he would work hard to give his family the life he grew up not having. Shahida’s mom passed away when she was only eight years of age, due to a rare skin disease. This crushed Abdulla. He felt as if it was his fault. If only he had made enough money to pay for all those expensive surgeries, then maybe Rasheeda would have survived.

After a few months of turmoil, he decided that since Shahida was all he had, he would work twice as hard for her. He decided to sell his farm and open a food stall. He worked as a post man in the morning, and in the afternoon he attended to his shop. Soon, the shop was generating enough income so he sent Shahida to one of the most prestigious schools and he gave her everything she wanted and needed. Shahida progressed in school and moved on to obtain her degree in law. She graduated the top of her class. Her father was so proud of her, that he used his savings to buy her a car. Later on, she met the love of her life, Rafie, and began her own family. She later on had two beautiful children by the name of Zu l and Nurul. Abdulla’s health was slowly deteriorating. He eventually had to sell his shop as he was to unwell to tend to it.

He was in and out of hospital, and soon was told that he had parkinson’s disease. He was too weak to take care of himself though he insisted. His daughter was called and asked to take her dad home with her and to take care of him. Her husband had a strong objection. He did not want to take the responsibility of looking after an old man who was dying. He suggested to Shahida that he be left in hospital until the festive were over but unfortunately the hospital did not have enough beds so it was impossible.

At home things were much worse, due to his Parkinson’s disease, he could not grip everything. He would often drop things he held. This was especially a problem during meal times. As he reached out to help himself with the food, his hands gave way and he would find himself dropping the spoon or the bowl of food. His trembling hands made it hard for him to lift a spoon full of food to his mouth. Every time he dropped a spoon or a plate of food he would get stares from his son in law and unwanted gestures. This took the turn for worst when he began losing control of his body. He would unintentionally let out motion. Rafie would stand up and leave the table or mock Abdulla in front of his own grand children. Rafie decided he had had enough and he moved Abdulla to a separate table outside with unbreakable utensils. That way he didn’t disturb the family. Abdulla felt crushed. He turned to his daughter for help support only to be turned down. One afternoon Rafie heard his kids playing and laughing, as he approached them to find out what they were playing, he was shocked at what he saw.

The startled Rafie asked his kids, “What game are you playing?”

“We playing happy family,” replied Zul with a smile on his face, “When we grow up, me and my Nurul will eat in the house, while you and mum will eat outside.”

“Don’t forget to wear your diapers dad!” happily exclaimed Zul.

Culpable and shameful, Shahida dashed to the house to look for her dad. Her knees gave way as she fell to her dad’s side. Tears began rapidly falling down like bullets hitting her collar. She looked up to her dad. Chocking, she wept uncontrollably as she mouth out the words,
“Dad, I’m sorry.”