On the way to the milk collection centre, for a month now with only one can of milk! The cows in this person's house have produced only half of the milk since the flooding. Although only the fields were flooded around his house, and not the house itself, it looks like the cattle have suffered some 'stress' following the flooding. He acknowledges that during that one week, the cows and no place to go for grazing and he could not get substitute with other feeds as the shops were closed and access for travel was restricted.
This has reduced his income. He being framer needed this extra income for his household needs. He has weekly payments to make for loans he took for farming. He has a large health bill every week on account of his wife's ill health. He is not eligible for any help from the government, as his house was not submerged.
HIs neighbours lent his some one to keep up with the weekly payments. He considers that as an unusual gesture of kindness. In fact his neighbours insisted that he can take time to pay back.
How does he look to the next season! H hopes to get some additional income form the coconuts. He is expecting for the cows to recover. One cow woeful deliver shortly which owl improve the milk production. He expects that the bank loan taken for the farm would be waived off due to flood and damage he too suffered!
Although he seems to cope, he did say that he stays awake at night thinking of all that he is going through ! For a person in his mid fifties, that in itself can make him weary.
There are many who have vague symptoms of discomfort and unsettlement. In his case he has friends to talk to and reflect ! He was grateful for the visit of the parish priest couple of times and and his comforting prayer. His relatives keep visiting him and offer him considerable support. He received a cash gift from his school friends.
What touched me most is his kindness towards his farm worker whom he gives free milk since the flood. He intends to do so till his farm worker can find daily work.
From being preoccupied, he keeps his neighbour close to his heart!
M.C.Mathew(text and photo)
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