December
2013, we conducted a service activity in Home for the Aged in Quezon City. We
had showcased the dances we know about Igorot, Maria Clara, Muslim and even Hip-hop.
We annually do this kind of activity for those who are in needs. Some elderly
there are abandoned by their own families, some have their reasons and some
haven’t. After we performed our show, we are given a time to talk to some of
them. A grandmother pulled me and said that I’m good at dancing, I was grateful
to hear that. Then we talked for a while, she shared her story. She cried at me
while telling her story, I didn’t handle not to cry too. I gave her a tetra
pack juice to drink and to relive her somehow. I got sad when she told me that
she was still in hope that her children will come back for her.
In
that moment, I realized that we are there not only to showcase our performance
but also to be the reliever of what they are struggling by listening to their
stories and maybe lend some attention that their families didn’t give them.
Some of them really enjoyed the show and some of them were crying after it. I
asked some of them why were they crying. A grandmother answered me, “Miss ko na
ang anak ko. Sabe niya babalikan niya ako.” “Lola, wag na po kayong umiyak,
babalik din sila. Sa ngayun kame nalang po muna ang mga anak niyo”, I said to
her and gave her tight hug. I really cried after that and ask myself, “Paano
nila natitiis magulang nila? Grabe. Kung ako ang gagawa sa magulang ko nito di
ko mapapatawad sarili ko.” After what I heard from them, I promised myself that
I will never do that kind of actions to abandon my parents.
We
visited their quarter’s area, boys were separated from girls. We gave them siopao and tetra pack juices, some of
the elders were not able to watch our performance for they were already
bedridden. They were already wearing diapers and are in cages. One of the
caregivers there said that those who were in cages are the ones who have
incontrollable manners and actions towards their roommates. Maybe they hurt or
bullied them when the caregivers are not around. Caregivers are not highly paid
in the institution; some of them were just volunteers. I am glad that still,
there are people who are willing to help without any in return.
After
all we did there; we were gathered by our head and congratulate every one of
us. We were asked to give our experiences through the activity, I raised my
hand. I told them that I got sad to see all those elders being abandoned by
their loved ones. I also shared what I promised to myself, “Sir, kahit anong
mangyare, hinding hindi ko gagawin sa magulang ko kung ano yung ginawa ng mga
anak ng mga matatanda dito. Hinding hindi ko mapapatawad ang sarili ko na
abandunahin ko yung mga taong nagpalaki sakin.” Everyone in the van agreed of
what I’ve said. Some shared their insights about the institution and the way
the elders were given proper care.
On
our way home, deep within my thoughts, I am really sad to leave the people
there. They were sweet elders although they can’t hear me when I talked to
them. Some of them have already complications. I learned in this kind of
service that whatever circumstances or problems you face; never ever leave
someone to be able solves it. Leaving is not the solution, facing them is.
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