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Egyptian mother and son struggle with multiple diseases in UAE

Dubai - After spending 24 years in the UAE, she does not even feel like going back to Egypt as she has nothing there now.

An Egyptian single mother of three grown up children, S.H. Osman, is probably going through the worst phase of her life. Stress and lack of proper diet has incapacitated her and caused her to develop a number of diseases. And as if that weren't enough, her elder son is also bed-ridden since 2008. Both his kidneys have failed, and he is back home in Egypt, living with his mother's relatives. "I am taking care of his medical expenses," she said in a trembling voice.
Her job is the only source of income and the only way to run the house but she still struggles to take care of her younger son's education. The 68-year-old is now afraid that if she loses her job (as she is aging now), how will she make ends meet?
"I have seen a lot of people being fired at my workplace in the last few days. I feel that out of dignity my employers have not taken any decision against me up till now. But, I am scared. I work in the administration department in a Dubai-based organisation and earn Dh5,000 a month. I have to take care of the house alone as I got divorced 15 years back and was left alone in the UAE with three children.
"My husband ran away illegally and left us to struggle. Apart from sending money for my son's treatment in Egypt, I am also taking care of my younger son's education. My daughter is married and helps in the best possible way," said an emotional Osman speaking about her struggle.
"I am old now and have developed osteoporosis. I cannot sit for long and I also have cataract. I know I am going to live for maximum one or two years more but before that I want to settle my third child," she added.
After spending 24 years in the UAE, she does not even feel like going back to Egypt as she has nothing there now. She doesn't have any house or property, no support to survive.
With tears rolling down her cheeks, Osman said: "I have no house in Egypt, my husband has sold everything, all my gold and property. I have nothing in my hand now."
Osman, who has braved tough situations all her life, said the only thing that is giving her hope this year is 2017 being declared as the Year of Giving. "The government here is kind enough to think about people and support them," she said, hoping that someday she will get rid of all the problems in her life.
- ankita@khaleejtimes.com