Being by the side of a sick person is not an easy task. Taking care of someone who is ill is even harder. Not everyone can do it. It requires deep compassion, which not everyone possesses.
My brother has been critically ill for a long time. He constantly has to travel between Barishal and Dhaka for treatment, and I have been traveling along with him. But what amazes me the most is the person who has been taking the greatest care of my brother—his daughter-in-law, Rozi.
I have never seen anyone serve with such devotion. Every time, she stays beside him in the ambulance during the Barishal-Dhaka journeys. She spends sleepless nights in the hospital, often without eating or resting. Leaving her two small children in someone else’s care, she dedicates herself to taking care of the patient—feeding him, cleaning him, changing his diapers. And this isn’t just for a day or two, but continuously, for days on end.
Another person worth mentioning is Shakib. He has been by my brother’s side every single time.
I remember when Rozi had just entered this family as a newlywed. At that time, in 2009-10, my mother was seriously ill. I saw how Rozi took care of her, sitting beside her, looking after her needs. My mother loved her granddaughter-in-law deeply.
One day, I asked Rozi, “You do so much! It amazes me because I’ve seen that when someone falls ill, even their closest ones often avoid taking care of them.” I have seen many wives get irritated when their husbands fall sick.
Tears filled Rozi’s eyes as she replied, “Uncle, if someone loves me even a little, I can do everything for them. My father-in-law has given me so much affection and love. There is no one like him.”
I jokingly said, “I want to spend my last days in Barishal. Will you take care of me too?” Rozi replied without hesitation, “I will. I promise.”
Whenever I return to my country, I inevitably fall ill. This time has been no different. I have been suffering from various health issues. But when I am unwell, I do not want to burden anyone. Pain is something one must bear alone. One can share joy with others, but suffering is a personal experience. No one can truly take away another person’s pain.
I admit that I am a bit emotionally weak—I break down easily. During such times, I long for someone to be by my side. But the one person I hope for the most will never come when I call. Still, in times of trouble, someone or the other always shows up. Allah never leaves anyone completely alone.
I am incredibly fortunate to have amazing friends. Apel, Kamal Bhai, Wali, Samar, and Jabbar always check on me and tell me to reach out whenever I need help. This time, the support I received from Sumon was beyond comparison. And as for Rima—there are no words. Whenever I need anything, she rushes to help without hesitation.
To these two, I am forever grateful.
