A First Time

Sundays have mostly been spent at home, lying on the couch and channel surfing. But today, I put my hands up for a volunteer program and made a trip down alone to a nearby town for some meaningful work.

"Apprehension" was the best word to describe how I felt when I reached the void deck. For I did not have in mind the proceedings for the day. The elderly were gathered at the void deck. They were mostly seated around the round stone table playing cards, while some were either scattered around in their little cliques or puffing away at that could-turn-into-ash-anytime cigarette stick with a vengeance.

Not many volunteers turned up for the event. But for those who turned up, we all had one thing in common - it was our first time. The auntie was surprised to see me - she thought I was 25 (I wish) - and asked, "What is a young girl like you doing here on a Sunday afternoon?" I didn't know charity work has something to do with age.

My initial idea of it being a big scale distribution turned out to be one of a scale that involved less than 50 households/elders. Not everyone who lives in a tiny one-room flat in that block receives a package from the club. Apparently, these residents are required to apply, be audited and evaluated by the club members and only given the green light if they pass the test.

As we stood at the void deck with our ration of bread, canned food, fruit, potatoes, green beans and even that tube of facial wash, the ah gongs and ah mas - who could only slowly shuffle their feet around - greeted us with their biggest smile and gratitude as they moved through the queue. Most of them are on their own - seemingly lonesome - extending that plastic bag for the little food we could offer. Amidst them was an old couple. The ah ma was all smiles and had her hand entwined in ah gong's arm. The sight brought warmth to my heart and a smile to my face. "It really is much better when you have someone to grow old with.", I thought.

I looked on and couldn't help but wonder what their life stories could be. Their wrinkled and freckled faces are evidence of the wears and tears of life. Where are their children or loved ones? Do they feel alone or afraid to be all by themselves at such an old age? I know I would. I just pray that I never have to face that one day.

Although the day's event wasn't on a grandeur scale, it gave me a sense of satisfaction on the grandest scale. Now that I have given my first time, it is more likely than not that there would be a second or third.