Flag today was quite enriching, especially the fact that I got to witness a few incidents that really touched my heart.
I remember vividly having to stand near the bus stop with so many people buzzing past me, and little hope in mind for a generous donations but up came a wheelchair bound uncle who screamed at his maid, signalled to her to stop pushing his wheelchair (the maid was trying to avoid us) and took out $2 and got the maid to donate it to us. Same went for this elderly wheelchair bound lady.
But the most touching incident I encountered was this dirty rag and bone lady who was collecting cans in the bins. I approached her nonetheless without realising that. She conversed with me in Hokkein and asked if it was for charity. She was delighted when she knew she got to insert a coin into the opening of the aluminium cans. She forked out 10 cents from her pocket. Little the amount may seem, but when I knew it was her hard-earned money through can-collection, my heart totally sank. I felt sorry, compassionate for her, and yet felt she was a heroine in her own ways. That 10 cents could probably be her saving up for a meal!
That was not all. Her neighbour (I suppose) actually saw her donate and mocked at her in Hokkein, saying that she herself had no money yet she donated money and what an irony it was. The amazing thing was that old lady remained very calm and composed. She smiled, kept quiet and just walked away slowly.
I was really really touched by this scene. No words I can use, can describe the kinda feeling I was going through. Just through a flag exercise along, you get to see and experience for yourself the warmth as well as the disappointment our fellow Singaporean counterparts are. I'm not trying to be critical but those in office wear, men and ladies alike, are one of the most stingy and arrogant people who refuse to donate, let alone care about the donor.
Anyway, the entire Flag day was enriching and I never regretted waking up early for it.
