Last Saturday, it was my first visit with the T.H.E. seniors.

That day, we visited Madam Cheng, Madam Tan, and Madam Ho.

When we arrived at Madam Cheng’s doorstep, there was no one in to answer the door. However, on our way to Madam Tan’s, we saw her in a wheelchair accompanied by her guardian. She told us that Madam Cheng wanted to go to the coffee shop near our meeting point to wait for us because she was so eager to meet us.

Madam Tan could only speak Hokkien and thus most of us found it difficult communicating with her. In spite of the language difference, she was a very jovial and chatty elderly.  There was an inexplicable heartwarming feeling just from gathering around her and basking in each other’s company.

After which, we bought chicken rice and duck rice over to Madam Ho’s place for lunch. She fussed a lot when we were around, mostly insisting that we helped ourselves to drinks in her fridge and slipping us cash to get more food.

I have noticed from my previous befriending experience (and also this time round), that each time I walk away with my heart feeling a little lighter. Being around old people is always enriching: their smiling eyes and weathered hands; they teach us so much more than any academic institutions I have attended. When you think about things like these nothing else seems to be of importance anymore. It is a very fulfilling to be involved in befriending again.

Victoria