There have been many ups and downs over the years, but my wife Amirunnisa has been my strength through it all. No matter what was happening, I knew we would have each other to lean on. We have four children and we’re so happy to see them starting their own families. We often reminisce about the past and how we started our lives together. I remember the first time I met her all those years ago. I sensed that she was a little nervous, but she still carried herself with so much confidence. She also spoke a lot, while I quietly listened. 34 years later and that still hasn’t changed.



She’s always the life of any gathering. We didn’t have much to call our own, but we were a happy family. I used to be an auto driver. I’ve tried my best to give my wife and children a good life. Now that my three daughters are married, it’s just my wife, my son and me at home. Everything seemed to be going well until 6 years ago. I fell very ill and the doctors told me that both my kidneys are failing. I’ve been living on dialysis ever since. My wife has stood by me like a rock. She told me not give up and that’s probably one of the main reasons I’ve come this far.



Two years ago, we received some terrible news. My wife started vomiting and complained of a headache. She thought it would pass, but one day she was at home going about her daily routine and suddenly fainted. Later that day we found out that she had a clot in her brain and had to be operated on immediately. I have never been that scared, not even when the doctors told me that I might not make it. I haven’t been able to go to work ever since my illness and our son is only a tailor, but we somehow managed to pay for her surgery. She woke up from the surgery to find her left eyelid permanently closed. Even then, she remained positive and said she was grateful to just be alive and have her family with her. We thought that it was the end of her troubles.



Now, the clot is back and more dangerous. She needs another brain surgery. The longer she goes without it, the sooner we will lose her. My wife has become very weak now. Even walking tires her out, but she still continues to remain cheerful and puts everyone else’s needs ahead of hers. I wish there was more I could do to help her. I feel like I’m letting her down. I had promised her that I will take care of her no matter what, but now I’m physically and financially incapable of doing that. I wish she didn’t have to go through this and it was me dealing with it, at least then my son wouldn’t have struggled to save both his parents. I know he’s working so hard and doing all he can. He never complains, but there’s only so much he can do on a tailor’s salary. These past two years have been extremely difficult for us. My wife has been my greatest strength and now it’s time for me to be hers, but I can’t help but think that I’m failing. If I lose her, I lose everything.