A true Egyptian lady

Today I was travelling using one of the popular methods of transportation, the famous " Taxi Aqaleem ", if you know it. These cars are the old, big Mercedes Benz, the cars has lots of space from the inside but , tab3an , lacks any luxoury or cleanliness.

That's not my point, today during my journey I was lucky enough to meet a true Egyptian person ( it's been long since I last met any ). During that long journey, around 7 hours, we stopped at one of the side cafetrias where the driver takes a rest to have lunch. While we were there, I decided to stay in the car as it was pretty cold outside and I was somehow sleepy.

The lady sitting in the seat ahead of me didn't draw any of my attention at first. This was the case till her husband started acting strangely and saying strange words. I figured out that her husband has some mental problems. The woman started to talk about the history of her husband's illness to one of the passengers. She said that they have been married for more than 37 years, he was a clerk at some office for more than 40 years and that his illness started 18 years ago.

She then started complaining about the problems she faced and is facing through thier life. First, she said that her husband was innocently accused of stealing a large amount; that story was confirmed by one of the passengers who identified her husband and said that he was a very decent man. Secondly, she said that she has been paying Cairo monthly visits the past few years to help her husband continue his treatment. Thirdly, ( as usual in Egypt ) she was talking about how not enough her husband's allowance is in comparison to the medication expediture.

After that discussion between the lady and the other passenger, I remebered the wedding oath ( if it's so called ): for better & for worse, for happiness & sorrow, for sickness & health.

What really brought tears into my eyes ( and I'm not joking) was the lady's generosity. During our stop, she had sent her grandson to fetch them some sandwiches for lunch. On the kid's arrival, the lady insisted that each one of us ( passenegers ) share with them their lunch. All of us apologised politely to her generous offer. ( it wasn't 3ozoomet marakbeyya ). Although she was complaining about money shortage, this didn't affect her decision in sharing her humble dinner with complete strangers.

Another thing that amazed me about her, is the look of satisfaction in her eyes. Although she was suffering bad times, she was thankful to God about the good times they had lived earlier in their life.


Chapeau to that Lady.