Borong, Vox NTT- His dream is getting embedded. He penetrated the noise of the town, want to feel the sun’s heat and embers.
He did not know when he was born. But he is a “brave man” who stepped on the hard life of the capital city. He has a hope.
As usual, Antonius Tamat, worked splitting stones on the roadside to Lehong, Borong Sub district, East Manggarai (Matim) Regency, Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Province.
When met by VoxNtt.com, Thursday, March 14, 2019 afternoon, Antonius was burning the large stones.
At that time he looked different. He smiled. “Now just see you sir,” he said while shaking hands.
Read: Anton’s Story, the Stone Splitter from East Manggarai
He immediately opened a dialogue. He told me about his youth, until he was left behind by his beloved wife, Juliana Nusu.
Juliana died two years ago because of illness.
The household ark built by Antonius and Juliana had vanished.
Antonius is now widower. Explore life without his beloved wife. It’s been two years. However, he is strong enough to let go of every story he goes through with Juliana.
The bitter and sweet memories left an impression on his memory.
“I can’t forget, sir,” added the man who was familiarly called Anton.
The story of Juliana, almost made his shed tears. The expression on his face changed instantly. The death gaze seemed to be drawn from his face.
But it’s okay, this is life. Only a while. “God has arranged everything,” Anton said.
Even so, in his little heart, it turned out that he had a big dream to complete the education of his two children.
Anton has seven children. Four of them were married, one went winder, and other were still educated.
Now, two of his children are studying elementary school and junior high school in Borong.
Nevertheless, the bitter story experienced did not make him afraid to continue fighting.
The difficulty of splitting the stone never discouraged him from giving the best for his family and the future of his two children.
The livelihood orientation and education of children is a dream of his hard work.
There is no other choice. The only work that can generate coffers of rupiah is to split the stones.
“No more work, sir, this is my job,” he said.
Even though he is over 70 years old, he does not want his dreams to be limited to imagination, fiction, or mere narration.
“I have to send them (his children) to school,” he added firmly.
Antonius still had hope, but he was no longer young. His energy was drained. His age is no longer productive. His old age was spent on the roadside.
When he died, he left a message to the East Manggarai Regency Government to pay attention to his two children later.
Please pay attention to them (his child) later, “he said softly.
Author: Sandy Hayon
Editor: Ardy Abba