Determination, Dedication, & Drive!
Fear over Factor
Imagine spending your life alone, thinking that the world is an unsafe place, and no one is to be trusted…
These thoughts imprisoned Soon Lay Kim, 71, in her home for more than a decade long where she’d only go out for work, buy food, and not interact with anyone fearing that anything untoward might happen.
“I’ve always lived a quiet life and rarely go out. I felt it was unnecessary to go out unless it is absolutely necessary, won’t answer any phone calls from anyone, and won’t talk to strangers. Doesn’t matter who they are because I wouldn’t know what is in their heart – if they are a good or a bad person,” she explained about her life in the past.
Senior Programme Executive Josephine Ng of LB AAC @ Bendemeer 32 said she had tried for years to get Soon to join them for a myriad of activities at the centre but to no avail.
“I tried to encourage her through many ways, trying to chat with her whenever she passed by the centre, inviting her for the ‘makan’ sessions, we went up to her house which is just at the opposite block from the AAC,” said Josephine on her futile efforts.
Her main drive was to coax Soon out of her isolated life and be a part of the community that the AAC has built for this neighbourhood’s seniors to age comfortably, actively, and healthily together.
Josephine’s perseverance knew no bounds as she even made a phone call to Soon’s sister to ask her assistance in persuading her to join the centre as a member to ensure that Soon gets to enjoy the benefits and assistance that the AAC provides.
The breakthrough came unexpectedly.
Soon walks in the AAC just a few days after the AAC had put up posters on a vacancy for the housekeeper’s role!
”She told me that she has experience in cleaning at several offices before and wants to work here!
“Of course I was overjoyed! I pulled up the membership form as well and hired her on the spot!” said Josephine jubilantly!
A Paradigm Shift
While Soon’s introverted tendencies did not waver in the beginning, her work outshone her personality…
No surface, no matter how concealed, was safe from her eagle eye.
A stray leaf, a stubborn stain, or a speck of dust at the AAC – nothing escapes her relentless scrutiny.
Each square inch of the floor, even the hidden corners beneath the tables and chairs, was meticulously swept, mopped, and dried to her satisfaction.
While all at the AAC marvel at her dedication to work, it was her personal transformation that truly stood out.
Soon, is now a different person, jovial, talkative, and lighthearted – a far cry from her former reserved self.
“I didn’t know who to trust,” Soon admitted softly. “What if I was taken advantage of? That’s why I kept to myself. But now no more, as I have learnt to slowly warm up to people at the AAC,” said Soon proudly.
As a dedicated housekeeper, she meticulously cleaned the office and the AAC, and even went the extra mile to assist with ad-hoc tasks like pushing seniors in wheelchairs to morning activities.
Slowly, these interactions with the community and AAC staff boosted her confidence, allowing her to forge new friendships along the way.
“You can tell she started to open up slowly after she was hired. She started to mix around, and sometimes you can see her at the nearby hawker centre talking to other seniors,” said Josephine, beaming with pride.
Bashful but Purposeful
Meanwhile, for Soon, it was a chance to reawaken her caring nature ever since her mother passed.
I could finally show care to the people around me while dining. I can talk to strangers now, but I am always wary,” she said bashfully.
In addition to finding a renewed purpose, she often goes the extra mile, distributing food and assisting other seniors whenever possible, something that she never thought she’d ever do.
Josephine was amazed and took pride in Soon’s gradual but definitive transformation.
“I’m glad I could make a difference in her lifestyle.
“She has not only found a source of income but also become more cheerful, engaged, and even taking the initiative to help others to age happily together.”
We hope that these stories would inspire you to reach out and touch the lives of others.
If you would like to share your thoughts on these stories, please feel free to email us at cp@lb.org.sgBe A Volunteer
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