As some may have known, I was really close to my late
grandmothers. My maternal grandma stayed in the same house as me since birth. My
paternal grandma stayed with my aunty but always house-hopped to her children’s
houses. One of the best moments were when both grandmothers were in my
house – all the old kampung stories and my parents' childhood bits will come out. Haih I truly miss them and
their antics. But they are in a better place now.. May Allah bless their souls
and reunite us again in the hereafter, amin.
Anyways, on my way home from school just now, I passed by an
old lady, sitting alone on a small stool with a small donation container by her
side. I’m sure this isn’t a rare sight in Singapore – seeing people asking for
donation by the street. But the feeling of empathy was very overwhelming when I
saw her. And what’s sadder is the fact that she was sleeping while sitting. Her
head was leaning very much towards her right I worry she might fall off the
stool. Seeing an old lady in that state looking all tired but still strive for
money really saddens me. Indeed, it was a pitiful sight.
That was not my first time seeing her. On some
days, she would be collecting used boxes, newspapers and cans to earn some cash. What’s
important, she’s always seen doing work alone to survive. I can’t imagine if it were to be my grandmothers in her shoes. No, I’m not trying
to be all protective over my own family and not caring about others but yknow,
the first thing that came across my mind upon seeing her is none other than my late grandmothers.
The saddest thing is, I did not do my part to help that poor
grandma. She is always seen near my neighbourhood but I haven’t even talked to her once. Talking is easy, feeling all empathy is normal. But talking with
action is ‘something’. Having that said, I think the most important thing is to
skip the ‘ignoring game’ and start taking action. Perhaps, a simple ‘hi’ would do
if I’m not able to help further? At least, it will make her smile right? Hmmm,
I’ll try. J