The medicine for good neighbourliness

Maya recounts the story of an elderly couple in poor health—a paralyzed man and his aging wife—who are unable to work and have four children with disabilities. Three of their married children also suffer from health issues.

Initially, the relationship between this couple and Maya’s family was tense due to a long-standing dispute over access to water from adjacent land. The couple monopolized the water and denied Maya's family passage, which created serious difficulties, especially in summer when water was scarce. Attempts to resolve the issue peacefully failed, culminating in an incident where Maya’s husband was verbally assaulted by one of the couple’s sons. Eventually, Maya's family was forced to buy water.

Despite all of this, when the opportunity arose to help families in need, Maya and her family immediately thought of this very couple, choosing to provide them with monthly financial support for their medication. This act of kindness transformed the relationship completely. Over time, with regular visits and continued support, the neighbors became affectionate and began treating Maya’s family like their own.

Feeling abandoned by their own children and isolated from the community, the couple found renewed strength and comfort in this unexpected bond. Maya now visits them regularly, listens to their needs, and shares moments of connection. What began as material assistance has grown into a deeply human relationship. The family that once lived in sadness and poverty now welcomes Maya’s family with warmth.

For Maya, this experience was a revelation: support is not only about money—it’s about presence, love, and empathy. The joy and peace reflected in the couple’s eyes brought fulfillment to Maya and her family during a difficult time in Lebanon.