wrinkles around. But her spirit was so strong. She set a smile back and wishes, "good morning". Spontaneously, I reply. Then, slowly she tells her life stories enthusiastically. .
Mdm Tay is 76. The night before, she was yelling at her temporary caretakers. She was dissatisfied with the way things were done and occasionally threw tantrums. When she saw me, instantly she kept quiet and slowly sought refuge in me. Others would think that she behaves like a child. But for me, she looks so innocent like a little kid. That reminds me of my dear grandmother.
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Generally, old people deteriorate in many aspects. It can be physically or mentally. My granny has been for the past few years deteriorates in her memories. Most of the time, she would not remember who I am. She would sometimes not able to differentiate between morning and night. And she throws tantrums whenever she feels not right. The fact is that she's afraid inside. This is a form of dementia. Alzheimer's disease (better known) can cause dementia in the elderly. .
Not far away, I could see Mr.Wong. He is quiet all the time. I excuse myself from Mdm Tay and go to Mr.Wong. I ask, "Are your sons coming to fetch you today?" He replies, "Yes". "So, why aren't you happy about it?". He just keeps quiet and lays a tear down his cheekbone. I pause. I pat on his back. "Don't worry," that's all I can say. Apparently, the sons are going to send him back to the old folks' home. One real fact is that, depression is a common problem in the elderly..
I don't know if these old people deserve this. Sometimes, I wonder if this is what karma means. But what have these poor souls done that they were deprived of love? We can never tell who was right nor who was wrong. But my conscience tells me that showing care to someone needed care, or at least a word of comfort is all that's needed. Afterall, everyone gets old someday.
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From a distance, someone shouted my name. It's Mr. Tong, 86. With a broad smile, he says, "I came to fetch my wife home." Then, Mdm Tay stands up and greets me goodbye. Her eyes are always smiling. People say, eyes do speak and her eyes are sending a message of gratitude to me that it overwhelms my feelings. The lovely couple walks hand-in-hand reminding me of a pair of high school lovers..
The oldest trees often bear the sweetest fruit. So, let's not forget about them.
2 comments:
Good piece of writing :)
Going to a nursing home might not be such a bad idea if the children could afford it.I know some relatives who are aging and actually wanted to be sent to Homes should they become too difficult for the children to care for.One old lady even said she supports euthanasia!! Guess they just wanna leave with whatever dignity that's left.
You do have some points there. But my experience with these elderly tells me that they really wish their children to be around. I have this old lady who developed partial stroke broke down literally in front of me. Her only wish was to be dead. It broke my heart. After much of comfort, she admitted that she missed her children who have not come to see her for 2 weeks. Another lady who had 6 children, but none care to see her for 2 months when she's sick. When called, they push the responsibility to one another. In the end, none come. Wonder who took care of these 6 children herself when they were sick. Many many more stories. Nevertheless, I still have great stories about these old people. One lesson that I've got: stay healthy and age gracefully is the key to happiness!
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