A 110-year-old mother and her sick daughter [Archives:2006/920/Reportage]
Hakim Almasmari
hakim_almasmari@hotmail.com
Poverty and the poor health system are two of the numerous fears crossing the minds of Yemeni families. Last year, Yemen was rated the unhealthiest Arab nation in an Associated Press report – yet another step backward.] Fatima Al-Sawari, believed to be 110 years old, never lived the life of which she dreamed. For the past 30 years, she has cared for her paralyzed daughter Taqi'yah, now age 80. She claims to be living with 13 different sicknesses throughout her body.
Originally from Bani Matar, Fatima has lived below the poverty line for the past 100 years. She lived in Bani Matar the first part of her life until her house was destroyed due to its weak infrastructure, leaving her with no choice but to abandon it with her sick daughter. They moved from one city to another, having neither a roof to sleep under nor a family to care for them.
The loving mother said, “I had a son who at least tried to help us, but he died. I wish he was still alive. That way, I could have someone to count on.” Fatima has sacrificed her time and wealth for 30 years hoping that one day her daughter will live like any other. “I have reached the age where I can't even take care of myself. God forbid if I die. What will happen to my lovely daughter? In my eyes, she is still my baby.”
With no one to care for them, their only hope lies in God's hands. “My husband is dead. My son is dead and I only have this daughter left. My father died more than 50 years ago. I was destined to live this life, so I thank God,” she said.
Fatima has given her daughter medical attention for many years now leaving no stone unturned in trying to find a possible cure for her daughter's innumerable sicknesses. There is no proper health system available for those who cannot afford it and have nowhere else to go.
Recently, after selling all her possessions, Fatima has considered giving up. “How can you give someone medical attention in this country without money? People like us have no place in society. I have no more money to spare,” she lamented. “Officials are building mansions and palaces while we can't even build ourselves a wooden room or a roof to cover our heads.”
With great pain, her daughter Taqi'yah, who cannot even stand on her feet, said, weeping long and quietly, “My mom is so great. If it had not been for her, I don't know what would have happened to me. I owe my life to her. Will I ever be able to repay her? If not, surely God will not forget her sacrifice for me.”
The two women never buy food as all is given to them by their caring neighbor and relative, Mohammed Al-Sawari. Rent is 6000YR monthly for this family with no financial income. Life has reached the extreme for this family. They share the one 20-year-old blanket they possess, keeping them together and warm during the cold nights of their long battle against poverty.
Every now and then, street workers volunteer to clean the bathroom for the two women, who together are nearly 200 years old. “Two years ago, I was kicked out of my small, shabby apartment. I couldn't come up with the rent so I was brutally thrown in the streets,” Fatima said. “The neighborhood here is nicer. Old ladies often pass by and offer us some bread.”
Stories like this surely are heartbreaking and make you realize the severity of the problem we are suffering. Many Yemeni families hover between life and death, but honor and respect for themselves stops them from reporting such news. Fatima and Taqi'yah are two of nearly 11 million Yemenis living near or below the poverty line, as mentioned in the United Nations report. Will all poor people in Yemen need to openly cry out before the government offers a helping hand to these proud, desperate citizens?
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