Hope in the Silence: Sheetal

Vikram– at Sheetal's home. Yuvraj her 12 year old.

This week, I had the opportunity to visit Sheetal, a courageous widow living with her 12-year-old son, Yuvraj, in a quiet neighbourhood of Dehradun. What struck me immediately wasn’t just the simplicity of her home, but the resilience shining through her eyes—despite the quiet struggle she's faced for over a decade.

About ten years ago, Sheetal was diagnosed with bilateral palatal paralysis—a condition where both sides of the soft palate become paralyzed. This affects her ability to speak clearly and to swallow safely, often putting her at risk of choking on food or water. Communication is a daily challenge. Yet, with the gentle help of her son, who lovingly interprets her speech, Sheetal shared a glimpse of her life with us.

Sheetal shows the areas that the palatal paralysis has affected

I wasn’t alone during this visit. I was joined by Manju, our newest recruit at Widow’s Hope and a devoted follower of Christ. For the past few months, Manju has been regularly visiting and praying with Sheetal, offering companionship and hope where it’s needed most.

When I asked Sheetal how she and Yuvraj have been managing, her son explained that kind-hearted neighbours often help by sharing basic groceries. Thankfully, Sheetal inherited her mother’s house after her passing, which provides them shelter and some security.

Manju,(Right) Widow's Hope Coordinator

But Sheetal doesn’t just want to survive—she wants to live with dignity. And she has a vision.

In a small room at the front of her home that opens onto the street, Sheetal hopes to start a modest grocery store. It’s a perfect spot for foot traffic and local customers. A graduate with a good head for numbers and planning, Sheetal is fully capable—Manju confirms this with full confidence. And with Yuvraj ready to lend a hand after school, the shop is more than just a business—it’s a step toward independence.

To support her vision, Widow’s Hope will help transform that room. We’ll:

• Repair and paint the space

• Install a front counter with a glass display for items

• Build sideboards and shelves for storage

• Provide drawers to store money and documents securely

• Install a shutter that can be pulled down and locked when the store is closed

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Sheetal will be one of the beneficiaries of our Trinity100 fundraiser, a campaign rooted in Love, Unity, and Compassion.

In addition, we welcome contributions towards her:

• Outstanding electricity bill of ₹70,000 (accrued over several years)

• Health-related needs such as doctor visits, vitamins, and supplements

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Though a surgical intervention for her condition is technically possible, Sheetal and Yuvraj are hesitant—understandably—due to her delicate health and uncertain success rates.

To each and every one of you who has sown into Widow’s Hope: Thank you. Your giving is not just charity; it’s investment—in dignity, in dreams, in lives that matter deeply. You are helping women like Sheetal take back agency over their lives, one brave step at a time.

May the Lord bless you abundantly for your generosity.

With a grateful heart,

Vikram

Founder, Widow’s Hope