“I never thought our life would become this hard. Grandpa used to be strong. We used to help each other and laugh together. But now, seeing him like this… I can’t bear it,” whispered Grandma Yani softly.

These quiet words came from Grandma Yani (65), an elderly woman who has now become everything to her husband, Grandpa Awip (71). No tears fall—only eyes filled with endless patience and love, even as her own body grows weak.

Grandpa has been diagnosed with advanced-stage colon cancer and requires surgery and intensive care. Since that moment, their lives changed. Each surgery brought hope, only to end in disappointment.

Now, Grandpa can only survive with a colostomy bag because part of his intestine has been removed. These bags need to be changed daily, and they are expensive.

As Grandpa’s condition worsens and his body shrinks to skin and bones, Grandma Yani has no choice but to take over as the family’s breadwinner—just to afford his treatment.

Every dawn, she leaves the house to work as a starch laborer at a neighbor’s home. Her pay is only about $2 per day. With frail hands and nearly spent energy, she stirs flour, praying it’ll be enough to buy rice and a colostomy bag for her husband.

But the cost of a single colostomy bag is higher than her daily wage. Many times, she’s forced to make a heartbreaking choice—between buying food or a bag to keep her husband alive.

“I am willing… I accept this fate, to care for Grandpa. As long as I’m still breathing, I will keep taking care of him.”

Often, they go to bed hungry. Her earnings are gone—spent entirely on the colostomy bag. There’s nothing left for side dishes. Sometimes, all they have is plain white rice.

Every night, Grandma Yani cannot rest. While the world sleeps, worry consumes her. Night is when Grandpa’s pain becomes unbearable.

“I’m always scared when night comes… because that’s when Grandpa’s pain worsens. All I can do is sit by his side, stroke his back, and hold back my tears.”

Oh God, it’s heartbreaking to witness their struggle. With what little strength they have left, they fight together to survive this trial.