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Yesterday evening, I met an old woman who looked very much like any old woman you'd see strolling down the streets of Singapore. Bag in hand, wrinkly skin up right to the eyes, a smile that was warm, giving and friendly. She looked visibly harmless, you would think she'd never hurt a fly.
She came up to my friend and I, handed us a letter and kindaly asked if we could interpret the contents of the letter to her. My mandarin isn't very fluent so my friend had a good read of the letter before proceeding to decipher and translate its contents. As I watched the expression on the old woman's face, anxiety ran through her little frame, her eyes lit up like a child waiting for candy on a rainy day. Looking to and fro between my friend and the old woman, I knew the news that everyone was anticipating was something big.
My friend placed the letter back down on the table and gave me a glance before she began.
"Aunty, the letter says that they will have to deal with your son's case before they can start helping him look for a proper job".
Her face sunk, so did her heart, you could see right through her. Her eyes became as dull as the blackness of the night, tears were starting to form behind her eyes but she forced a straight face. She heaved a thanks with a smile.
She then proceeded to say,
"My son has been in prison for 2 and half years. They assured me that they would start helping him look for a job. Its hard to self sustain but I get by by selling tissues . They tell me I have to see him twice a month, each time bringing books for him costing $12. Where can I get that money? My daughters, they blame me for everything that has happened and they don't provide for me financially. In fact, they've told me I am the one to blame for getting pregnant so young, being unwise. What have I done wrong? At this time, her voice was getting shakey but she still stayed firm. I stay at home and have a good cry all the time, I was crying all day today but I stopped because I had to go and sell tissues. Everyone has labeled me as a terrible mother. When they were younger, when they were hurt, who nutured them back to solid health? Who was always there? I'm 77 years old this year. It's not easy. There is this one social worker whose constantly helping me and I appreciate her help. She is such a good person. Annie, yes Annie's her name. My children have left me to fend for myself. Its honestly tough going around selling tissues. Others think i'm trying to stir pity but I'm not."
At this point she stopped herself cause one of our friends came by. She thanked the both of us for helping her out and told us to be good. After she left, I ran the details by my friend. Then I realised that the old lady who looked happy and wholesome was actually a mother who felt worthless to her children, a twisted truth that slowly began to take a toll on her but yet she is still trying desperatly to make ends meet. Her heart being ran over a trillion times That is one hell of an amazing mother and woman.
I know she probably won't remember me but after this little experience, I feel its a need to constantly remind yourself that your actions have consequences. Before you dive into anything, consider the little side effects that may possibly occur. No one deserves to pay for your mistakes or take responsibility just because you're too much of a coward to do so or because you're simply selfish. Your parents are people who have raised you, you are naturally obliged as their children to only allow them the grace to age gracefully. To provide for them what they have provided for you. The everyday struggles they go through just to ensure you are raised in a good enviroment deserves at least some credit. Before you start slashing or getting into a gang fight, perhaps stealing, lying any negative trait of that sort, think thoroughly. Is it all that worth it? You do know that you are the only one getting hurt in the end don't you?
Do your best to not hurt the people around you and at most, don't hurt yourself.
So here's a good morning to thank god its Friday! Have a splendid weekend everyone.
And lastly, thanks mom and dad.
D.
1 comment:
woah.
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