Behind every bed lies a story

A meaningful experience at Old Folks Home cleaning

today, I join Uni Life to clean up the old folks home. It was a beautiful day. =D Morning, I went to Jun's house, then we went for breakfast. After that, we waited at the bus stop with Eleena for the bus to arrive.

At bus stop - Jun take de photo. haha. feel like ah boy.

When we reach the Old Folks Home, it wasn't like what i expected with big welcome and so on, unlike previously when I went carolling with fellow church friends. It was just like any other ordinary day. Some reading newspaper, some sitting there, some chit chatting with friends, some resting.. As soon as we reach, we kick off with our task immediately after being told what to do.

Jeannie and I were in charge of sweeping the floor of their rooms. We were told that there are 39 people staying here. Sweeping the floor was fast. So after that, i tried to help around. For a sec, i went and wiped the window with Anne and Jun, then i helped Vincent to mop the floor, then helped Gerain wiped the fan, helped Anso move the mosquito netting, as usual, making myself at home, just walking up and down, singing, having fun as well as helping around. It sure was fun working with friends.

Wiping the fans

I also met different type of people. One uncle, he was really friendly and helpful too. I remembered he was talking to Jeannie a lot as she was able to communicate with his dialect. Jeannie told me he told her a lot of things. His family, and giving advice to Jeannie that she needs to study well, find the right person in life and so on, very sincerely, like a father or a grandpa perhaps.

There was another uncle, we offered to cleaned his room, but he insisted not to, but of course he rejected very politely. We tried to let him know it is not troublesome for us, because we are volunteers. However, he was persistence. So, we just smile and said ok. I believe he has his reason. That uncle look very firm and healthy, his also very nice and polite.

I really wonder, what kind of life they had, they now having and they are going to have? what they once have, how did they end up here. Frankly, i dont think all is for negative reason. Everyone have their reason. While sweeping through each room, i saw the folks belonging. One of the room, i saw a drawn heart hanging right beside the bed. It was like a kids drawing. I started to think, where is the person who drawn the heart which meant so much to the person sleeping on that bed every night. I was so touched by it. I try to imagine what kind of people and life they once have. They lies a story behind every bed. Still, i have no courage to ask and i know it is left for me to choose what kind of life i want for my coming future. Destiny is in our hand.

And another Uncle, when i saw him, a nun( we call sister) was helping this uncle, leading him to his room. He was mumbling and smiling, walking unsteadily. When Vincent was busy with other thing, I ask Vincent whether i can mop that room. While mopping, i saw sister was helping him to dress his wound. Apparently, he was drunken and he fell down when he was on the way back. There was blood over him and part of his skin was badly peeled. According to them, it has been quite frequent to see the uncle getting drunk. I had a casual chat with sister too while mopping. She's from Sibu and just came down to help out at Miri for about a month. I was amazed by her kind heart and patience. In this very corner of the world, not knowing there is such a beautiful lady in heart, serving and helping, not asking for a single credit or recognition. Isn't life beautiful?

Pigeons in the garden.

There wasn't much of us i would say, but it was a meaningful morning to me. Life could be so imperfect at times, yet so beautiful. Perhaps, it is only when we are poor, we will then realise, who is, or what is that really meant something to us. Just hope it wont be too late by that time. It was an eye opening to me. Oh ya, i really wanted to thanks Anso sincerely for this morning, to give me the opportunity to join and i'm glad i didn't missed it. =) Thanks.

In the bus, on the way back to campus. exhausted, but happy. =)