Uncle Loh

With the festive Chinese New Year approaching, a Tiaran, KBS, wanted to offer some cheer to Uncle Loh (who was highlighted in the Dec.16th 2006 and Jan.13th 2007 editions of Tiara Times).

She drove me as we went to his haunt near the Mediviron Clinic in Paramount Garden on February 13th 2007, with a goodie bag in hand. However, he was nowhere to be found. A nurse at the Clinic informed us that he was further down the road, near the eating stalls. We trudged over but he was not there.

We then enquired from a Chinese lady who was trying her luck at a Toto outlet whether she would know about the homeless man ."Oh yes, he is at the 7-11 shop behind here," she enlightened us. So we headed that way, and sure enough, Uncle Loh was there.

Shirtless and dressed only in a blue pair of cotton shorts, he was singing a Chinese song at the top of his voice, with his arms flailing in the air, like a conductor leading his orchestra.

"Uncle Loh, we are here again, with some food for you," we greeted him as we stood next to him. We handed him home-cooked porridge of minced chicken, button mushroom, diced carrots and greens. KBS had tar pau'd a plastic container full of chicken, omelette and greens as well, besides handing him a bottle of mineral water and biscuits. In keeping with Chinese tradition, we gave him a few kum (mandarin oranges) and an angpow each.

Uncle Loh grinned from ear to ear, so happy was he with the gifts. "Thank you, thank you, you are so kind to give me so many things. Do come to the Church tomorrow and listen to a talk," he invited us. We thanked him for his invitation, saying we would drop in on him again after the festive period, with Chinese New Year cookies for him.

As we walked back to the car, the lady who had informed us where Uncle Loh was, told us that it was sad that although he had well-to-do siblings and relatives, no one offered to look after him or give him some space in their homes.

As we drove back to Tiara, we felt sad that there were so many homeless and destitute who have no idea about festive cheer since Life had dealt them a harsh hand.