Wednesday 28 March 2012

While My Guitar Gently Weeps

This Chinese New Year, we volunteered at the old folks at Silver Jubilee Home for the Aged. We youngsters complain about everything in our life, food is not good, clothes are not enough, weather is too hot. It was the second day of this big festive season among the Chinese, spend one day with them and you will see how lucky you are to have a family, to have food on your table and to have shelter or should I say a home. 

 The volunteers, my sisters and I and their friends
First we helped out those who are still healthy and strong with their lunch. 



Then we moved on to the ward, now that was the hardest part because everyone tried so hard not to cry in front of them. Some of them are so ill, they could not even get up from their bed. But I see a lot of happy faces when they see us. Most of them keep thanking us for coming.




 Joyce distributing red packets to everyone

I have a weakness when it comes to old people, the regret of not appreciating my late Grandparents when they were still around, the pain of losing them which I have not completely recovered from. In my humble personal opinion I just don't understand people who could have the heart to send their parents or family to a 'Home". I just don't get  how they can come with so much reasons and excuses to abandon their family for their own convenience in life.


 The nurse on duty insisted that we should meet this lady who has just turned a hundred recently, despite her age, she loves to chat and suddenly she burst out crying, I remember her holding my sister's hand and asked if any of us have seen her family. We had no idea at first but in the end we kinda figured out that all she wished was for her family to come and visit her.

Just remember that your parents did not give you up during hardship when you're young therefore you have no reason to give them up when they are old and helpless. Have a heart.

♫ of the moment: The Beatles - As My Guitar Gently Weeps

28 comments:

Marisa Noelle said...

This is beautiful Jasmine! Aren't older folks precious...I have such a heart for them too and seeing these sweet photos makes me miss my grandparents so much too. I lived with my "oma" and "opa" for a year and a half and took care of them...and though it was hard, it is something I will treasure always. Lovely post:) xx

Femme Virtue said...

its so great that u guys took some time off to volunteer, i volunteered at an old folks home with my friends a few months back and it really change my perspective on life.

Czułość Światła said...

I’m speechless. It’s amazing what you girls have done for them. And it’s not surprising that they were so thankful – probably most of them are very lonely, so even I can imagine how happy they were seeing such a great company that day :).
You’re right, I can’t understand them too. I remember when my sister was dying with cancer – it was a hard time, everybody had their heads full of problems, but nobody would ever have thought to send her to a ‘Home’ like that. It was totally out of the question.

PS: Thank you for all your words It was such a positive shock in the morning :).
Take care <3

YrMngldHrt said...

I really admire what you have done for the old people! I actually admire every person who does that every day. It's such a hard but fulfilling job.
My Grandma is 92 years old and still lives in her own apartment. She has a nursing service coming to care for her every day. My aunt lives in the same house.
It's hard for me to see her getting older and forgetting everything. Sometimes she can't even remember what I told her 2 minutes ago. But she remembers so much from the past and I love to listen to her stories... how she had to flee from her home because of WW II or the sheep they had in the garden. Or how my father was as a child :D
I really hope that I will have someone who cares for me when I'm old.

Inggrid Monalita said...

hi sweetie,

Your blog is so adorable and interesting. Love ur blog!

Wanna follow each other?

Have a nice day!
-INGGRID
http://miss-monaa.blogspot.com

laila said...

awww thats so sweet! <3

erica marie said...

This is so amazing that you all got together to make a difference in these people's lives. Personally I'm not for the nursing home thing, maybe other people have their reasons but once when I was younger I went to visit and help out at an old folks home. Most of them were happy to see us but one lady actually started to slap me when I went to tell her hello...I figured she was angry that her family had left her there. I wouldn't want anyone in my family to feel that way. Either way, I'm really you and your friends take the time to help other out.

xo erica

noone said...

I don't understand how some people can just send their parents to a home too, unless they need specialized care, I don't think I can ever send my parents to a home!

Amber said...

Oh my gosh, that was such a touching story. This makes me want to volunteer more. It so sad that this people just want to see their families. Heart breaking.

Secret garden said...

great pictures;0 if toy have time please visit my blog;)

Paula said...

What you did is awesome, a wonderful job as volunteer, keep doing that!

Ade Kurnianingrum Handika Putri said...

ohh dear !! this is the sweetest post i've ever read :) you and your friends and their is so awesome!!! :) good job dear ♥

Chunny said...

This post makes me weep. I have also experienced having my duty in a home for the aged and soon I will be also handling old Japanese people here in my new workplace. I have also a weakness for older people and I do really respect them for they have much wisdom than we younger people. Sometimes I wonder why their children left them in foster homes but I think they must have been very busy in their work. I am praying for this older people and also to their families.


http://sassychunny.blogspot.com/

Vanesa Indrawan said...

That's so nice and sweet of you. Old people deserve happiness. You are so kind =)

Vanesa Indrawan said...

Btw, I love your blog name ^^

Anonymous said...

This was truly inspiring, heartwarming post. I have done work with old, ill people and I can tell you it's not easy. Those people truly appreciate all the attention they can get, and company is really the best thing they can wish for when everything else has gone (like health).
I'm impressed and proud of you girls. You made my day (evening) slightly brighter! ♥

Thank you so much for the nice comments Jasmine, I've been missing you girl !

Satu
- Indie by Heart

Ps. Birthday Giveaway :)

Wusel's... said...

It's wonderful what you've done for the people.
XOXO

MI AMOR PLATÓNICO LA COMIDA said...

Hola!!
Ya echaba de menos tus comentarios!
Viendo tus fotos se nota que eres una persona maravillosa, es precioso lo que haces!

Gracias por confiar en mi

Hope Adela Pasztor said...

Your style is so pretty and feminine! Following you! =)

http://pinkchampagnefashion.blogspot.com/

Unknown said...

what a lovely blog! thank you so much for your comments!! come again soon.

abeautofulmaybe.blogspot.com - xo

Unknown said...

This is so wonderful! I totally get your point about appreciating your grandparents and helping old people, my grandma died only two weeks ago and was in a terrible end stadium of dementia, but still she was always happy and smiled when we visited her.
What you and your sisters and friends did was great! Old people need our help so much! I couldn't deal with it everyday, but I'm glad there are people who can.

Corina said...

Is amazing what you guys do .. Give people a really precious smile.. Respect for this

hafidz said...

semoga segala budi yang diberikan kepada mereka akan memberikan sinar harapan kepada mereka semua =)

The Mad Twins said...

Oooh, that's so kind of you to volunteer Ö You are such a sweet girl :) Ever since I know your blog I always think I have to become as kind as you ^-^ You are truly amazing n_n

xxx London

k said...

i love old people! it's where i specialized in grad school :) i'm sure you had a blast!

Barbara said...

I bet you made those people's day :) nice pictures!

Orphin Lasz said...

You should come back, beautiful! It's been ages since I last heard from you, I hope you're doing fine.
Get back in touch soon!
; n ;

Ai Ellico Baja said...

This is so amazing what you did, and so sad to think about how people can leave there own family member like that?