Hand in Hand
Heart to Heart:
A Mother-Daughter Journey
Some bonds are unbreakable. For Mdm. Teo, 98, and her daughter Mdm. Ruth, 78, life has been a journey of resilience, love, and unwavering support. From surviving World War II to overcoming personal hardships, their story is a testament to the strength of family.
At Lions Befrienders, they have found more than just a senior centre—they have found a home. A place where laughter, companionship, and heartfelt care continue to uplift them every day.
A Lifeline of Love: Mdm. Teo and Mdm. Ruth’s Story
At Lions Befrienders (LB), every relationship tells a story—one of resilience, companionship, and the unwavering power of love. Among the many who have found solace within its warm embrace are Mdm. Teo Guak Hwa, 98, and her daughter Mdm. Ruth Tan, 78. Their bond is extraordinary, built over a lifetime of sharing and overcoming hardships together. For them, LB is more than an active aging centre—it is a place where they feel seen, supported, and cherished.
A Childhood Shaped by War
In 1927, Mdm. Teo took her first breath in a world vastly different from today. Fast forward 15 years to 1942, and World War II arrived at her doorstep, turning her life upside down overnight. “Every night, we couldn’t sleep because we are scared of the bombs,” she recalls. “My mother would tie three of us kids together with a cloth belt when we are outside, so we wouldn’t get lost if we had to run.” To avoid being captured by Japanese soldiers, she cut her hair short and dressed as a boy, a disguise that ensured her safety as young girls were being targeted.
To keep her safe, she was married at 15, building a family through times of scarcity and uncertainty. Through sheer perseverance, she raised four children, later becoming the elder of five generations—with 12 grandchildren, over 30 great-grandchildren, and nearly 5 great-great-grandchildren. But even as her family grew, she remained steadfast in her independence, working tirelessly at a coffeeshop until the remarkable age of 92.
A Daughter’s Strength, A Mother’s Love
Seated beside her is Mdm. Ruth, her third child, who has walked every step of life’s journey with her. An accident at 12 left Mdm. Ruth visually impaired, but it never dulled her spirit. She pursued her education at the Singapore Association for Visually Handicap for 3 years and got her British accent from watching BBC news. Her hard work and effort led her to a career at British Petroleum (BP) for 27 years as a telephone operator, earning her keep with her intelligence and determination. “I’ve always believed God will look after me,” she says. “There is no need to worry.”
Despite her resilience, Ruth’s visual impairment presents daily challenges. She can see a figure one meter away but cannot recognise a face, making it difficult to identify people, read fine details, or navigate unfamiliar environments. However, the familiarity of their flat, where they have lived for 55 years, allows her to move around independently. When outside, she relies on Mdm. Teo for guidance, and they always go out together, supporting each other. At home, Mdm. Teo still cooks for her daughter, filling their space with the comforting aroma of home-cooked meals such as chicken soup and fish soup.
Reading letters poses another challenge. Since Mdm. Teo cannot read English and Ruth struggles with small print, they often turn to the staff at Lions Befrienders for assistance. The staff reads important correspondence aloud, ensuring they stay informed and never miss out on crucial information.
Finding Family at Lions Befrienders
The mother-daughter duo first discovered Lions Befrienders by chance during a neighbourhood walk, when they passed the Lions Befrienders Active Aging Centre at Clementi 344. It soon became an integral part of their lives. Mdm. Teo was a regular at the centre’s exercise classes until a fall in September 2024 slowed her down. Despite this, she continued attending activities and talks, finding comfort in the supportive environment.
To Mdm. Teo and her daughter, the staff at Lions Befrienders remains an extension of their family, bringing laughter, companionship, and care into their lives. “They make me laugh, they take care of me,” Mdm. Teo shares, “I even won first prize in a handicraft competition!” Her face lights up at the memory of receiving a hamper filled with treats. Their simple joy is reflected in the philosophy they live by: “吃一天过一天，有钱出去花, 没钱在家里” (“Live day by day—spend if you can, stay home if you can’t.”).
For Mdm. Ruth, LB has been a source of comfort and joy. Though her eyesight prevents her from joining handicraft classes, she eagerly attends talks and enjoys the treats. “And the dogs!” she exclaims. “They bring therapy dogs sometimes, and I love petting them.” More than just activities, LB provides essential support—staff members call to check in on them, help with health check-ups, and read letters when needed. “They really care for us,” Ruth says, showing LB is more than a centre—it’s a lifeline.
A Love Beyond Measure
When Mdm. Teo was asked what it was like to live with her daughter, the room seemed to hold its breath. She paused, her weathered hands resting gently on her lap, as if gathering the weight of nearly a century of memories. With a quiet voice, she said, “I’m very happy and blessed to live with my daughter.”
For a moment, time stood still. Mother and daughter turned to each other, transmitting a love so deep it needed no words. Tears welled up in their eyes and without a word, they both wiped their tears with their hands.
In that moment, the room felt smaller, warmer, as if the world had narrowed to just the two of them. It was a love that had weathered difficulties, the limits of vision and the passage of time. In Lions Befrienders, they had found a community that amplified that love, offering them not just care, but a second home where they were cherished, supported, and celebrated.
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
Refer a Senior
If you know of seniors who could use our services, you can help by referring them to us.
Click here to find out more.