Why were Ali's eyes filled with tears of helpless

"Ali came out very slowly, turning after every few steps to gaze at the post office. His eyes were filled with tears of helplessness, for his patience was exhausted, even though he still had faith." Why were Ali's eyes filled with tears of helplessness? What had exhausted his patience but not his faith? 

Answer: As Ali was getting old, he was unable to go to the post-office daily. Even though he had not received any letter from his daughter for the past five years, he had always hoped to get one. 

One day, the postmaster lost his temper when Ali enquired for his letter. Ali broke down because he was helpless, he could not do anything as his growing age and ill health made him uncertain of his ability to reach the post office daily. 

But he never lost his hope. Nearing his death days, he gave five golden guineas to a clerk to put his daughter's letter

on his grave.His faith was not shattered.