She is 43, with 8 children under her arm, she lives on the food that is provided by her brother who is a farmer and taking care of both their old parents. Her husband just passed away a few months ago when she was carrying her eight child. She was ashamed, no where to turn to.
She was at the door step when I was not really having a gd day. I was busy and tired working since morning and the most that I wanted, was a lil rest about half an hour before punching the card to go home. Again, she was there waiting. I remembered the receptionist telling me she wanted to see me. So, quickly I sent her in the office.
She was there sitting, quiet. She need not to say a word. Though I could not remember her look, but from the way she was saying to the receptionist that she was having a personal problem and that I offered to see her whenever she needed anything, she came back this time, holding her 2-week-old baby in her arm. Quickly I turned open the page, and recalled her name.
"You have not heard from the welfare dept?" I probed. "No".
I grabbed the phone nearby and started making calls, to anyone possible who knows what's going on with her application but to no avail. It's 4.30pm and people were not around. I was exhausted. I dunno what to say. Looking at her baby, I know, they need to eat. The very basic thing. The husband did not leave anything behind. "I don't know what happened to your application but I assure you that I will try to follow-up for you. Please drop by time to time or inform the staff so that I would remember to push them again and again". She was point blank.
I realize my limit. There are so many out there who are like her. A few days ago, CYT came and asked if her application was approved. I don't know. I don't work in the welfare dept. I just try to help channeling her to any friends possible I have to do her application. But there are just so many of them. I am beginning to feel a lil exhausted. I don't wanna stop, but I have to realize my limit.
If only there is a well organized system that we know where to get help in this country, I am sure things are easier. But the fact is NO, yes a big NO. Like I said, when Maureen's case was highlighted in the paper, she got what she wanted, even more than she could ask. What about these people who are not in the limelight? Still, I guess, some people are sleeping on their job. If only they could be more empathized with these single mothers plight, things will move faster. And that will remain IF.
It's not the time to blame whose fault to have so many kids, or whatever. What is done can not be undone. The young baby is innocent, like his other 7siblings, they don't choose to be born in a destitute family. It's time to do some damage control. Mother don't eat, kids don't get to eat and school, kids got sick due to poor nutrition, social ills, bla bla bla. You can see the link.
I know how it feels when someone says, we'll need to wait a while more and see. Most of the time, it will merely be a piece of word.
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