My Longkang

Last night I attended an association dinner. It was a joyous occasion as there were crying babes (the real stuff-babies),rebellious teens, adults, and the elderly and almost infirm. It was a great occasion for the clan to gather together and have fellowship. The young or young at heart were especially glad because they were all given an ang pow each. Kudos too to Blue Splendour Restaurant for its good food.

The only sad moment for the night was when a senior person I was playing chauffeur to found the distance from the main entrance of Wisma Sanyan to the restaurant (via lift) almost more than she could bear. I had to drive with the windows open too because the other senior was afraid of getting giddy due to car-motion sickness.

This is the way life is, as we advance in age. The body that has served us so well in the past starts to act up. The mind wants to do this and that but the body just won’t obey or is unable to obey at maximum efficiency.

This afternoon I was invited to follow along to help with a visit to the Sibu Old Folks Home. This sign cheery sign welcomed us as we went in the entrance.

There was a sign reminding visitors to respect the old folks.

It was quite a big complex with more than 70 inmates when we were there. This figure included those who were mentally ill, beggars undergoing rehabilitation and old folks. In the past, young ladies facing problems were also placed here on a temporary basis while awaiting rehabilitation.

The first person I noticed was this man sleeping. He was a little aggressive when we handed out food. It was as if he couldn’t believe his good luck.

This man had tales to grind and a sad tale to tell. We listened sympathetically but honestly, there wasn’t much we could do except listen to them, hear them out, and just be a friend. For most of them. it was all that really mattered. Attention….that’s what some of them needed most.

We rushed as we were late. But to the sedate old folks there, time was not of the essence. They slowly filtered into the dining hall where a simple service was held. We came armed with nothing except some chicken and apple pies, a bible, lots of faith and a group of untrained volunteers. The message was simple. No extraordinary message or talent.

I was stunned when five souls opened their hearts and asked God to enter their hearts and lives. It was eerie, the message was in foochow, and some crude last minute translation in the Malay language and songs in English because of the potpourri that makes up the inmates. But, it worked. They were ready. The volunteers were awed. I was very moved by the sight of the inmates ready acceptance of the short message we had brought.

After the service, the group went to deliver the food to the inmates who were unable to attend the service. There was a lady who asked the group to pray for her leg. Her faith would put most church-goers to shame. There was a locked section where some inmates were set aside from the others. This was the beggars undergoing rehab section. Some were not mentally sound. It was a little scary here…well just a little.

All in all, it has been a good day. I am glad to have been a part of the team. We were glad to have made a difference to at least some people if not for a long time, at least for the day.