Madam Lim sells evening papers and magazines at Tanjong Katong Complex. I bumped into her this evening at the rear entrance as I arrived for our Hainan Tan Clan's 78th Anniversary. Her table was crammed but neatly laid out.
As I left, she was still there and business must have been good! Only some items left. We chatted for awhile. See the bicycle behind? She cycles there every evening at about 4pm or so. She is 60+ and has 4 children and 8 grandchildren. Her husband passed away a few years ago.
She has a caring family and shared that if she stays home, she would feel very 闷 or bored.
It reminded me of a recent heartbreaking sharing by Sam Tan on the sad demise of Mdm Loke. She and her family are his residents. They were a wonderful loving family who looked after Mdm Loke. I do not understand why Wanbao ran the story. And worse, there was the repulsive online lies and distortion that caused the family no end of grief. I don't really care how anonymous you are online, but your impact is real. There are real people hurt when we run themes for our own purposes...and when we criticise people when we don't know the situation. Please note and have a care. Please?
When things happen, there are many reasons for it. One thing that does appear consistent is that our older generation is remarkably resilient and selfless.They are fiercely independent. They seek to live within their own means. And they value their dignity and self respect. They do not like to burden others. I see these virtues almost eveytime I talk to our old uncles and aunties.
Rather than feel pity, perhaps as a result of our own inaction, perhaps we can learn? Talk to them.
But there are those who do need help too and we should be there for them. Key is to find out as early as possible. Again. Talk to them and let us know?
My last attempt while speaking to a lady pushing her trolley outside Parliament House failed. Caught up with her outside the Supreme Court. She was really very nice. When I patted her shoulder, she was wiry and strong despite being sightly hunched. She insisted that she and her husband, who does odd jobs, were managing. They were just glad to be active and that they did not have to pay when they saw the doctors. They rented their flat and were comfortable with their simple life.
I have encountered sad stories. But more often than not, my encounter with our pioneer generation just leaves me in awe.
There are many reasons why Singapore has survived and thrived. They are one of the key reasons why we have our today.
Thank you. And thank you for teaching us through your living stories.
Tan Chuan-Jin
*Article first appeared on https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=637872582922187&set=a.257251717650944.61655.182928775083239&type=1&theater