Friday, 4 September 2015

A toothless woman

A toothless woman stands by the parking stairways at the fancy shopping mall Mandela square. Her son next to her is about ten years old. The mother quietly holds an asthma spray and a prescription in her hand. 

I am heading to the car and don't even notice them, but my dear son says to me: "Mum, did you see what the lady had in her hand. Maybe she does not have money to buy the medication for her child. It is the same Ventolin-spray I used when I was little."

This really touches me. I return to find the lady and ask how much the spray costs. "86 rand," she answers, which is about 5-6 euros. My son fetches the money and gives it to her. 

Inequalities in this country are huge. It is impossible for us to help everyone, but we try to do small things where we see the need. I am so grateful that my children have the ability to see and the big hearts to help.