Elder Name: Parveen Lucas
Interviewer Name: Aliya Hasroon
My name is Parveen Lucas, and I am 60 years old. I have been living in the village of Della Nangal for the past 30 years. I have three sons and two daughters, and thankfully, all of them are married and happy in their own lives.
Summer holidays are the most beautiful time of the year for me. That’s when all my children and grandchildren come home. Our house fills with laughter, smiles, and love. My husband and I cook delicious meals together for all. Seeing the joy on their faces makes all our tiredness disappear.
But during one of those holidays, something happened that shook us to our core. One of my grandchildren suddenly fell seriously ill. His condition worsened quickly, and the nearest medical center had neither a doctor nor proper medicines. We were deeply worried. In desperation, we arranged a cattle cart and set off for the city hospital.
The journey was exhausting and painful, but we did not lose hope. When we reached the city, our grandson was immediately admitted, and his treatment began. Thank God, he recovered with timely care. Even today, my heart trembles when I think of those moments—but seeing his smile now brings peace to my soul.
That experience was one of the hardest times in our lives, but it taught us something invaluable: with love, courage, and the support of family, we can overcome even the darkest moments.
Today, that very grandson dreams of becoming a doctor. He studies with great dedication, determined to serve the underprivileged in rural areas. He wants to ensure that no other family has to face the same fear and helplessness we once did. We, his family, stand with him—his dream is our dream, and his courage is our strength.