|
|
|
Translated from a Chinese article of the July 2001 issue of "Friday Weekly".
|
|
|
‘Can you help me write a letter?’
This simple request, raised 4 years ago, has expectedly blossomed a deep friendship between Stephen ( Sng Hock Lye ), 56 and Koh Li Lian, 19.
Stephen became a Spastic ( a victim of Cerebral Palsy ) after having a high fever at the age of one in 1945. That fever had since paralyzed his four limbs. He is currently staying at Singapore Cheshire Home. Four years ago, Li Lian joined a voluntary training camp organized yearly by the National Council of Social Service ( NCSS ) in December. Then she was assigned to Singapore Cheshire Home to do voluntary work for two weeks. However, after the two weeks, Li Lian did not stop volunteering. She chose to continue her voluntary work at the Singapore Cheshire Home.
According to Stephen, both of them did not communicate initially until the day he asked her to help him write a letter for his overseas pen-pal. Just that simple request then, he said, opened the door to a budding friendship. Now, they have become great friends who understand each other.
| “ |
There are instant noodles and coffees, but there is no instant friendship.
”
|
Many people would think that a volunteer is the sole care-provider in such a helper-recipient relationship. However, Stephen disagrees with such thinking. “While volunteers take good care of us, we also reciprocate with our sincere care and concern towards them.”
Stephen often shares his life experiences and knowledge of psychology with Li Lian, and will counsel or cheer her up when she is feeling down. “I want to help her feel fulfilled and meaningful ( rewarding ) when she spends her time here.” said Stephen. Their deep and sincere concern for each other is the key factor towards building such a friendship.
Stephen told Li Lian : “There are instant noodles and coffees, but there is no instant friendship. I treasure our genuine friendship.”
Stephen said he was rather surprised when he realized that he has, in some ways, inspired Li Lian for her recent 2 decisions. Firstly, Stephen’s great keenness in psychology prompted them to engage in numerous discussions about human nature. And Li Lian, who is about to enter university, has decided to take up a Psychology Course.
| “ |
We must make them feel and know that we are their friends, and not just volunteers.
”
|
Besides, Li Lian has recently registered for a personal email account with the name “cheerio”, which, too, has been an inspiration from Stephen’s American pen-pal, who taught him this American colloquial term, meaning “cheer-up”.
To Stephen, Li Lian is a kind-hearted, good-tempered and cheerful girl. He said that she was so carefree that they could share food or tub of ice-cream with a spoon. Li Lian said : “When I chat with the people here, I noticed they are rather worried that we disregard them. Thus, sharing food with them can certainly assure them that we are not discriminating them.”
Li Lian truly enjoys her voluntary works in the Singapore Cheshire Home. She said :”The most important task being a volunteer is that, we must make them feel and know that we are their friends, and not just volunteers.”
|
|
