A Journey of Loss and Strength
In the heart of Bali, where the lush greenery meets the golden shores of Kuta Beach, there resides a woman named Ni Luh. Her life is a tapestry woven with threads of love, loss and unwavering resilience.
Ni Luh ‘s journey began amidst a world of vibrant colours and ancient traditions, her childhood filled with the rhythms of Balinese life. From a young age she possessed a quiet determination among the bustling energy of Kuta, where tourists from around the world visit to enjoy the island’s beauty.
It was here that Ni Luh met a kind-hearted man named Wayan and together they built a comfortable life raising three children among the beauty of Balinese culture and the business of beachside living. They made a modest living by selling various items along the shores of the busy beaches.
But fate has a cruel twist, with Wayan being diagnosed with cancer, sending shockwaves of fear and uncertainty as they couldn’t afford to pay for treatments. Ni Luh took up the bulk of work, selling anything from fruits to bracelets along the shores to support Wayan in whatever way she could. She tended to him with love and care, a pillar of strength in the face of adversity until Wayan passed away from the progressing illness.
Ni Luh was left alone to pick up the pieces, looking after her three children with little income and hard, long days trying to sell things along the beach, she found herself thrust into a world of uncertainty and hardship. With steely determination, she resolved to do whatever it took to provide for her family.
Turning to the only resource she had – her resilience – Ni Luh set up a small stall on Kuta Beach, selling handcrafted souvenirs and trinkets to tourists passing by, and travelling along the beach day after day in order to support her children. Despite the heat and relentless competition, Ni Luh persevered and was able to support her children until they grew into adults and started families of their own.
Although the road was set with challenges, Ni Luh kept a positive attitude, drawing strength from the memory of her beloved husband and the love she had for her children. For Ni Luh, family was the most important thing, bounding together in love and shared experience.
Today, as the sun sets over Kuta Beach, casting a golden glow over the horizon, Ni Luh still supports herself by selling things along the beach, her heart heavy with the memory of her husband, yet filled with gratitude for the beautiful family she has.
