Mdm Low is rather weak. The first time I met Mdm Low was on the day we celebrated Chinese New Year. Wynne and I went to her place to deliver some canned food and an angbao. She never lock her door and the main door is always slightly ajar. I guess the reason is for the convenience of volunteers to enter her house as she is pretty much bedridden.
On that day, we knocked on her door and peer through the gap in the door. She could only acknowledge with the horn (as you can see in the picture) because she has some breathing problems.
On this visit, she did not want us to clean her house as she said that her son will do it when he comes to visit her. So we sat down to talk as she ate her lunch. She ate very slowly as she needs to catch her breath. We don't quite know what to talk but thankfully Eng Wee can communicate with her well in Teochew. We chatted for a while before leaving her to finish her lunch.
Next we visited Mdm Chow Moi. As usual, she was looking out of her windows to past the time. She was in good spirit. I realised that she was previously a 红头巾, or female construction worker. I guess that explains why she still looks strong and healthy despite being 91 years old. I think the way that Mdm Chow Moi take things in her stride and stay positive and contented in life deserves our respect.
Next was Mdm Tan. You can really feel her warmth when she smile and said "来咯!" as she opened the door. We helped her to thread some needles. It is easy to find something to talk with Mdm Tan and she enjoys talking to us. Her poor eyesight prevents her from going down often to talk with other residents. I think she only talks to us and her daughter. So I feel she looks forward to our visit as a time when she has someone to talk to. She seems a bit disappointed whenever we need to leave.
The last elderly we visited was Mdm Ho. Mdm Ho had just returned home after being hospitalised for pain in her legs. She said it was due to a suppressed nerve. She seemed less comfortable than usual. The treatment requires her to take a lot of medicine. Her daughter is living with her at the moment to take care of her. There is nothing we can really do to alleviate her pain. I hope she will be in a better shape the next time we visit her.
That was it for the day. Different elderly, different personalities and different circumstances they are in. There is only so much we can do as volunteers but it is definitely better than not doing anything.
Ying Cong
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