French Road Visit 22.04.15

The story behind every door

She is a Singaporean and a mother of 5 children, the youngest of which is in primary 3. Her Malaysian husband has tried repeatedly to obtain permanent residency in Singapore but to no avail. Without her husband by her side and unable to cope with her stresses, she eventually plunged into major depression. When her close friend found out she was treated at IMH, their relationship ended. She cried over 3 days. The thought of losing her close friend still causes her pain. Her bills are pilling up and her children are losing interests in their studies

He is 76 years old and has been a tailor since the age of 20. His flat-mate had just passed away and he is looking at how to dispose of the deceased's belongings that are in the flat. He works from home and provides his tailoring services to a tailor shop that supplies him the fabric. He gets paid when he collects the fabric from the shop and has to personally deliver his completed handiwork. Working long hours each day, he is as healthy as he says he is and always wore a ready smile. 

He had a stroke and was lying in bed when I visited. His helper opened the gate and showed me in. He spoke softly in Mandarin and there was not a word of complaint from him. He was contented as he was as he could still move but needs a wheelchair to go downstairs. When asked if there was anything he needed, he gently replied that he was doing fine.

This elderly couple have been living in the same flat for 15 years. They have 5 grown-up children who are living on their own. Their neighbourhood has become too noisy for them and they are troubled. She suffers from asthma and is in frail health and he is taking care of her. They need a quieter place for her recuperation are applying to move to a nearby flat but are worried that they may not get it. 

It is always good to volunteer our time and thank you Project Awareness for giving me this opportunity to lend my helping hand and listening ear. Different stories unfold behind every door that I knock. As I walked from one flat to the next, I could feel my emotions fluctuate. We live to learn and learn to live, don't we?

Kindness is everywhere and a little thought can mean so much! Remember to share and walk with us in Project Awareness.

Tan Lam Siong 陈南松
Project Legal Adviser