Cats who teach me to fly…

I came home late last night after my volunteer work with homeless families who were referred to the organisation through social workers. These are often homeless people who have been picked up on beaches.

In my opinion, I don’t believe that Singapore has poor families. Yes there are those who are single parents with low-income and have children to support, or those who are disabled or ill and not able to work or take care of themselves and their families. For these groups of people, I strongly believed that they need support from the society.

When I reached the venue yesterday, I saw big, strong and healthy parents with their healthy children. The first impression that I had was how these people could need support from the organisation – various organisations I should say. The parents are strong and healthy, big in size and mentally sound. “What could have gone wrong with them?” I asked myself. I told myself I am going to find out today.

Other volunteers and Mel were there. Mel had always wanted to be a volunteer but had no time to do so. She thanked me for pushing her to fulfil her wishes. She said she doesn’t want to wait till she retires. She doesn’t want to be too old and weak before she contributes to society. She wants to make time for it now. Ok, I am glad to hear that. Life is very unpredictable. We have to cherish every moment of our lives.

The event yesterday was a workshop for the parents to help them set goals to improve their lives. We served food for the participants before the workshop. Our role was to take care of the children and teenagers while the parents were at the workshop. We chatted with them, joked with them and played with them. The children were playful and noisy as expected. I played table tennis with them for only a while as I found that they were very violent. They were not playing the game properly. They were hitting hard on the ping  pong ball to make it fly high and far. Well, I freaked out and surrendered my table tennis bat to them.

Next, I played table soccer with an Indian boy. He behaved himself well and I liked him. He is clever and always winning. So I observed how he played. He played calmly and unlike me. I was as excited as a puppy. I started to stay calm like him and yes, I managed to win a few games while playing with him.

Whenever I play badminton games, I would make sure I show sportsmanship throughout the session. I will not allow myself to be angry. Anger is the ugliest and most meaningless emotion to me. Playing games like table soccer needs one to be calm too. I think a person should be calmed in all kinds of situation. That, I shall remember.

When it comes to the end of the event, I didn’t even realise that everyone was leaving as I was too busy clearing the tables. Sigh… no one even bothered to say “goodbye” to me. However, a teenager came to me and told me it was her birthday. I gave her my wishes and offered to give her another piece of cake but she said no. I wished her happiness.

It was nearly 10pm and we were going home. Mel, Rachel (the staff that was in charge of the event )and I took the same train home. I started to ask Rachel what is actually happening to the parents since they look healthy that they need support from them. She told me they made the wrong decision. In my mind, I knew that the wrong decision that these parents made might have to do with something illegal such as taking drugs or getting divorced. Something that must have hurt the family… However, the persistent me wanted to know exactly what were the wrong decisions that they made. I asked Rachel again.  The parents had actually sold their flat to repay their debt and they now have no place to stay. One thing I never like about myself is, I find it difficult to accept such reasons. How could someone be that reckless to not put their family members into consideration first before making silly decisions that jeopardise the comfort of their own home and family? I mean these parents are strong, healthy and mentally sound. Surely they can take up any jobs to help themselves and their family members. How bad can you be when you are in a developed country like Singapore? The pay might be low but jobs are plentiful if they aren’t choosy. I don’t understand and I can’t understand. Perhaps I was brought up by a set of lazy parents who refused to work. That might be the reason that I find it difficult to accept…

Maybe… I should accept the fact that people do make wrong decisions and not that they are being lazy or even greedy. Yes, I will start see things differently…

Looking back on my diary, the time spent in January 2011 was a meaningful one. I never took life for granted. I always picture myself on my deathbed and ask myself what I want to see in myself in this lifetime – a person who pursues luxury or someone who gives? It is the latter one I want to see…