Home for the Handicapped

Richard and the bois once again grouped us together.... this time to visit a home for the handicapped in the depths of Ampang..... Ampang village that is, not the pricey end. Ok, most of us take our lives for granted and grumble about the most inane things - not enough mulah to get that swanky TAG that Brad Pitt dons, the colour of our hair, enough spare tyres hanging off us to equal the Michelin man, what to eat, what to wear.. yada yada yada...

But it is only when you enter such a home do you realise really how "lucky" we are. At this small little home, there are about 35 residents. All of them will most likely remain there throughout their lives as they are incapable of survival beyond the confines of the home. The ones who can actually "walk" their legs are disproportionate and angled. Ones who can "speak" mainly grunt and screech.

Prior to the visit, the bois had obtained a list of necessities that the home needs. In this case, pillows, bed sheets, and other such paraphernalia. So they went shopping, and raised funds and on Sunday morning we all arrived bearing gifts and a vegetarian lunch.

I was given the task of feeding this 12 year old boy who was about the size of a 7 year old. Apart from basic facial movements, he was paralysed. His body already disjointed and awkward. All he did the whole day was to lie there prostrate on this bed facing a tv, he has been doing only that for the past 7 years (having been moved there from another home) and will only do that for the remainder of his life. The last visit that he had was from his mother 4 years ago. My hands trembled whilst trying to get the spoon into his mouth but I soon found that a smile, some weird noises will result in his eyes lighting up and his mouth would break into a big grin. Something so simple and mundane made me feel on the top of the world as I like to think that I taken a little bit of time to bring a cheer.

And that's basically what we aim to do, bring a cheer, give a heart. Financially we may not be in a position to really affect the lives of these people, but for now, this simple deed is still an honor.

All in all, we had raised enough money to cover all the gifts, the lunch and even to pay off the utilities for the next couple of months. - Thank you all for your donations, your help and for making this trip possible - let's do more!