The Children & the Two Old Grandmothers
March 22, 2009Even before a word was spoken,
they swarmed around me;
they hugged me with affection.
It didn’t take long for them to warm up.
Their hugs were
Of unrestraint, and of vast potential;
they wanted attention, wished for protection.
So ready to believe, ready to trust
Even in the hands of a stranger.
There was no holding back.
These were the ways of the children
A cheerful and innocent bunch.
Some shy, some cheeky, some playful
A few up to mischief;
It didn’t take long for me to know them
To see their character
To tell one twin from another
Each of them, Unique on their own.
“What’s your number?”
“98765432″
“98765432? Bluff!”
“Yes, 98765432.”
“Who’s your girlfriend?”
“You,” pointing at her.
And blushing, she runs away.
“Show me your muscle,” rolling up my sleeves for me.
“No muscle, no muscle,” rolling down my sleeves.
“Show me your muscle first,” rolling down their sleeves, for them.
It also didn’t take long for them to climb all over me.
“1+2+3+4+5=?”
“Name 5 animals that start with the letter ‘C’.”
The questions had to be
For them
Their questions
Not mine.
Everytime someone answered correctly and won a prize,
there was almost certainly a collective and spontaneous
Groan of disappointment and roar of disapproval.
I couldn’t help but laughed at the really disappointed-looking faces
Of the chorus in front of me.
Because this simplicity before my eyes
Because this lack of pretence, of self-consciousness
Because naive and unconditioned
It felt real.
Now, what do you do with a table-tennis bat and a shuttlecock?
Before I left,
I told myself,
“I’m taking them to the zoo someday.”
Lunch for the two old grandmothers
They held my hand throughout.
They were strong, resilient, and resourceful women
Mothers and grandmothers.
Their embrace was
One of gratefulness and thankfulness
For simple company and thoughtfulness.
It was a heartwarming moment.
I thought of my own grandmother too.
I thought how society relegates the old
And deems them to be waste material,
Yet there was so much I could learn from the two old grandmothers.
So much more respect and admiration due to them
If only we realise and put ourselves in a position to find out
Their lives, their history
What they have been through, what we have not been through.
And then,
Just to be there for them
To see them, safely through their lives.
The passage
Made easier and more love.
A simple greeting would suffice:
“Eat full already?”
A listening ear would be enough:
Her health, her children, her grandchildren
Her pride, her joy
Her legacy.
A simple wish would do:
Happiness and good health.
The Children
Only at the Starting Point;
The Two Old Grandmothers
Nearly at the Finishing Line.
Life.
“No Love, No Glory”
An empty void in the heart
Is to be filled through Love and Giving
I think.
“For you, a thousand times over,” Hassan said to Amir, in Khaled Hosseini’s novel, The Kite Runner.
The children are really very cute. Seems like you had enjoyed your trip there. haha.
Children and elderly. A contrast yet they are the simplest people in the society.
A simple sweet would make a child smile the whole day.
A simple greeting would make an elderly feel warm at heart for the whole day.
Simple thing to us, but it means a lot to them.
Thanks for your sharing.
You’ve already started blogging more about your daily life. Gdgd….haha.
You blog great posts :)
It’s nice reading them, thanks for sharing!
Nice reading this blog entry of yours =)
Very heartwarming… it’s been a long time since I visited any Children’s home too.
Saw the article from magazine too.
Looks like u enjoyed urself alot there.=)
Love the kids laughters, love their innocent ways of doing anything and everything.
How nice!
Sometimes, I wish we could all be like them too. No need to pretend or have any coverage on what we are doing. Too bad, in reality, we can only be young once. There’s no never neverland for us here!
Zoo is fun! =) I’ll be very glad to hold and have the next gathering there along with the kids or some other activities with them would be good too. I just went to the zoo last month, and do u know abt the new boat ride there? =)
A very nice, happy entry!
I loves the interactions of u and the children.
Children are very down to earth.
Their minds are full of questioning as they are curious of everything.
And most importantly, they do not hide their feelings.
So whatever shown on their faces and gestures, it is the real them.
Being with them, u will be very relaxed and carefree.
Cos there is never ending laughter and enjoyment.
The part u and grandmothers are heartwarming too.
Just a simple lunch with them, means alot to them.
The care, patience and time that u gave them.
They don’t ask much but very contented to have someone eating with them, chatting and listening to them.
It is really a very meaningful day that u had spent!
I do hope i will get a chance like u, one day…. =)
Elvin, your post brings back wonderful reminiscence.
I wish I had known my grandmother better before she left us. I wish I had not always refused the ribs – I hate pork – that she always tossed into my bowl of soup because she wanted me to have the best nutrients growing up.
I wonder what kind of lives the children and the old folks in the village up in the mountains of Sichuan, in a village called 萝卜寨, whom I met and photographed almost 2 years ago, are doing.
I love photographing children and old people. I have a collection of those most terrific, innocent and pure faces and laughter, shy demeanour and bold behaviour.
I have much less of grannies and grandpas whose wrinkles unfold a thousand tales, whom I’d be more afraid to approach for a snap for fear of being snapped at, but who almost never refused but who would always oblige to peer into the lens, and smile. What their eyes hold of years begone, what stories curl in the corners of their mouths, waiting to be told, and to be learned by those who care to listen.
I wish I had opened up my heart, and my ears, to my grandma whose stories now stay buried with her for eternity.
I love the story. Very real.
Maybe when a kid, they still dont see what they will need or want to live as.
And maybe the old would had seen and known enough or to fight further more.
However, Im suprise that now days kid already start to ask about phone numbers and girlfriends etc.. lol.. they grown faster than we were.
Hi Elvin Very meaningful article
Yes kids and elderly are innocent and simple person
A simple greeting or words will brighten up their day
Sometimes we should be like them as we only young once
Be yourself and stay real is always the best =)
小孩单纯没有威胁的微笑真的会让人开心一整天
记住他们的微笑，在你很累的时候 =)
Hi Elvin, I was surfing around blogs and stumbled upon yours. I enjoyed reading your blog. The words you use are simple yet strong to let the reader experience the feelings and thoughts that you went through. Hope you always stay real :)
Oh I like this post of yours, very warming and poignant.
I like that children part, I can imagine Elvin gege talking and playing around with the children, without any constraints, just like one of them(sorry, I did not say you are a little boy).
Something came in my mind, I can sense something from this post, esp the part I stated just now. My intuition: Is Elvin gege starting to prepare for his next phase of life.. I mean MARRIAGE? That specific part made me feel that you are like a father of the little children, a happy family. Just that the “woman” beside you has a blank face, you know, I mean in that scene.
I hope that my intuition is true, quite accurate sometimes…
You want it to be TRUE of just TELL ME THAT I AM WRONG.
Bye bye…
Certainly a well-written piece, Elvin.
Children are of such innocence, and pure but as they age, depending on their company of friends, they can either remain pure (which is hardly so) or be stained …and some can be little creatures or devils. You will see more if you get to go to places where they are/study **grin**
Can see that you love to read – novels… Unlike you, I don’t think I have the depth or patience to appreciate it cos, life is just so rushed for me …maybe, I am really tainted or feeling disillusioned.
保持一颗赤子之心. there’s a child in all of us. keep the child close to your heart =)
and yeah this is so random but huishi, i know exactly how you felt at the village cos i went there 2 years ago too!! their little fingers held on to the broken wings of a butterfly. emotions just swelled. but i didn’t have the heart to photograph them cos of the whole issue of zooification.
be real. stay real.
Kiff is here :)
very special choice of song. very soothing yet awaking.
Treasure, other than Love and Giving. Cherish.
omg
“for you, a thousand times over”
one of the best books ever. really good :)
have you read his second book?
hahaha..
U and the kids are so cute! glad u shared ur experiences with us and enjoyed urself.. i saw that article and photos too!
Im sure the old ah mas enjoyed ur companion too..
next time u go there can always call me, i live in the east, very near there!
hahahaa.. write more.. and enjoy!
Cheers!
What a heartwarming post, Elvin. Reading this, I can’t help but feel very nostalgic. A bit of melancholy too.
I miss my students so much. Having taught piano to children age 5 years old for about 3 months, I can say that they all have an inborn curiosity and just pure innocence. They can be easily amused. (By song and sweets) Laugh easily, and cry easily at times. Playing a funny song would make “J” the naughty girl dance. And giggle and be hysterical. Just expressing herself and being herself. Sometimes she would hide under the piano chair and refuse to play. I carry her out and say, “Don’t be naughty ah..” And she goes back again. Sometimes she would shake her head and cheekily say, “Teacher play.”
“If you don’t play now, I wouldn’t play…Let’s play twinkle twinkle.” She obediently however, reluctantly does so.
“Very good, see… you can play without looking at the book. Play for your mummy later.” She’s all grins.
Although she is born with a learning disability, and ADHD, I could see that she is trying her best. Due to limitations and after speaking with her mum, we come to an agreement that when she reached a certain level, she would redraw from class.
The last lesson was the most memorable. We had a great time singing all the nursery rhymes we could think of( I play while we sing), we took very candid photographs. Lol.. Before she left, she waved goodbye, and while she walks away, she continues waving. (That makes me feel a little emo..T.T) lol..
Another student who is a 5 year old boy, “HJ”, who can’t bear to leave his mum for classes.
“I want mummy.” He peered at me with his big teary eyed, ready to burst into tears.
For the first few lessons, I had to constantly motivate him with sweets. (with the help of his mum.)
Once he eats the sweet, he stops crying.
It took him a while to warm up with me, but once he does, he’ll be very talkative.
“I don’t want to play this, I want Old MacDonald.”
“Let’s play Old MacDonald then. HJ play first, then we sing and play together ok?”
The times when he played the song well, he gives me the squinty eyes grin while I congratulate him.
That’s so adorable lol…
He too moved on, due to a clash in other “CCAs”.
After reminiscing about the wonderful memories I had with them, of course there are times when I get “angry” when they refuse to listen. It’s rather easy to know their personality which I can then find the best method to “tame” them.
I visited a few welfare organizations during my final year in secondary school. We went as a class for CIP.
The most memorable one was when we went to Chinatown Heritage Centre with the elderly. Some were rather boisterous, (the funny old man who likes to crack jokes with everyone), some looked worried and distant, some were grinning in quiet contentment.
The same sentiments as you when I was taking care of them.
Visiting the heritage centre had been an enriching experience. I’ve come to respect the elderly even more, after seeing how much they have been through and how much they have contributed to Singapore’s development especially the samsui women.
My grandma and I agreed to visit her homeland one day. I hope the day will come.
hey elvin, if u ever want to bring the kids out include me k…i’ll be most glad! =)
your writing touches hearts.
a very reflective and touching post.
makes me ponder on the whole sanctity of life and its journey.
thank you for being you.
no wonder you are liked by many. the purity of your heart speaks to thousands. looking forward to yet another heartwarming entry from you.
I wasn’t having a good day as was terribly sick however after reading this thread especially on the children, it just make me smile.
Zoo is a nice place, you may consider bringing them to Chinese Garden. In there, there is place to view many different types of tortoises and can feed them closely with cucumbers too. It very fun. I go there when I miss my tortoise that I let it go 2 years ago, I rared it for almost 4 yrs. I love tortoise, they are very adorable..hee hee=)
Thank you for sharing.
Hi Elvin,
Wow that was a really touching entry….you write extremely well, do keep on writing! I just came across your blog tonight, and I have to say I really enjoy reading it. It’s very refreshing and insightful. =)
I work with children too, and they truly are adorable. So sweet, innocent and carefree. Though of cos, there are exceptions, haha…I once had this kid who refused to cooperate as I was trying to teach a class, and when he tugged my hair hard, I literally burst into tears in front of the class. How unprofessional of me…lol! But yups, MOST kids are angels. ;)
You most probably wouldn’t remember me, but we met once years back…during the School Belle/Beau finals. I was from Raffles LaSalle and we spoke for awhile. :) You were such a gentleman. Congrats on all the success you’ve had since then….and may your star continue rising!
Best of luck in everything. Take care!
Liz :)
Is that your real number over there?
Pearlynn! Great to hear you’ve been to the village … you know it’s been destroyed in last year’s earthquake? The oldest Qiang village (a few thousand years) gone just like that. It’s a good thing the casualty is not much but still … sigh … *sad*
hi..elvin..
i read every single of ur post..all entries r well written..hehe..btw u had jux went 2 a children hm n old folks hm 2 b a volunteer rite..dat wonderful..haha..i oso lve 2 do volunteer work..do ask us join u in future de volunteer work..okay..hehe..i lve kids alot..i m now working at pcf kindergarden wif kids all around mi..
ziying
Maybe it’s the 2.44am, maybe it’s your writing, or maybe it’s both. My mind was painting an image of a playground, a void deck, karang guni and ice-cream uncles as I read your post.
I miss Singapore so much that I wish I can fly back right now..
Maybe I’m just home-sick.
hmmm, honestly, i’d never been to a children’s home or elderly’s home before. But would like to visit them someday. When I’m able to give them what i wanted to. When i’m financially stable enough.
About you stating that you wish to bring the kids to zoo, I hope you’ll do that. I’m sure it’ll brighten up their day or even, memories for them to keep.
I believe in Karma, whatever you give to others, will come back. :)
life on earth is short but life after death is eternity..
hey can u write something close to ur life and ur thoughts? i don’t really like reading long chunk of boring literature. thanks.
hi elvin,, wen i read tat article ifelt connected.. remember tat day at vivo city , burger king on the 11 march u met some non chinese fans whom u obligingly took fotos wit……n ask one of them y so tall………..i will cherish tat special day forever..coz u were not only captured in my camera ….but also in my heart…
Hi Elvin,
When i read your blog, pix from the magazine appeared in my mind. :) Which reminded me….I went on the 2nd day of the event (at caltex house) but didn’t see you…:( No fate to meet? Someday….we will….:P
I feel that children nowadays are not as innocent as previous generations…just the question asking you about having a girlfriend, shows that they are much more mature – which is a sad thing, i suppose.
Zoo is a great idea, I wish to go to the zoo too….have been a long, long time since I went.
Your words about the the elderly women is touching, almost brought tears to my eyes….I feel your words because my parents are getting old; I understand the solitude and limitations.
Your blog entries are so from your heart…with depth, like a poem….totally enjoyable to read. Keep it up!
Elvin is running in top 10 most popular male actor.
Do start calling his hotline now!
1900-112-2015 =)
Each vote counts!!!
Jia you!!!~ =)
lol i dont think elvin will reveal his number here. thus ur asking a kinda strange qtn.
elvin, post something about ur life now. do u have a gf? where do u stay? location. how many family members u have? what do u like n hate? what is ur fav song? i’m just curious
Yes yes~! =DDD
2015~!!!!
Every single call will makes a difference!! =)))
And…
Congratulation ELVIN~! =DDDD
hi elvin, i just came across your blog today and i am glad i found it. your posts are very genuine and portray a different side of you.
congrats on getting into the top 20 most popular, and just want to say, all the best in everything! may u find fulfilment and happiness in all that u do (:
btw, do u have a fan club or perhaps a supporters’ group? keep up the good work thus far! u have what it takes to make it far, so never give up!
i especially like your portrayal of Sato in the dreamcatchers. I feel u managed to capture his commitment and pure deep love for his lover, yet ina realistic way.
all the best for star awards (:
Hi Elvin,
I’m sure I don’t have to mention that your writing is very good. Everyone can see for themselves! =)
The children must have been very excited to see you… If you really want to bring them to the zoo, I’m sure us Elves are willing to help you out on the excursion! At least, count me in! =D
It is very touching to know that you get along well with kids… I think now not all parents may have the patience and time to do the stuff you did with them… I believe you will be a great dad in time to come!!
Honestly, I also did not think much about my grandmother, until recently we found out that she’s got thasalaemmia… I realised she’s become so thin and frail, but still giving her all to her children, grandchildren… I love my grandmother!!!!!
Soon it will be voted as one of the MUST READ blog internationally.
Ganbate kudasai ne
Dear Elvin
I stumbled upon this blog while surfing the net last night, and I’m at a loss, what/how I should comment.
I blog too, and I like reading blogs.
But your blog is perhaps the first one that really tugged something in me. A little melancholic, a little dreamy, and yet, thoughtful. I don’t know why reading your words didn’t make me think of you, the artiste. I felt drawn into a world of someone, a someone of depth and opinion.
In fact, I teared at a couple of entries. I’m a hopeless romantic, am I?
Is that what they teach in Eng Lit classes? Hah, I’m into Chinese Lit~~~~ =)
I hope to read more of your beautiful writing in future.
P.S: I know this is SO belated, but I’ve made an MV from the show Rhythm of Life, purely because the drama left me with a lot of thoughts, questions, un-earthed hurt and bleak truths. I wrote an essay (in Chinese) documenting those thoughts and I could only pick out a couple of lines from the essay and put into the MV, limited by time. My virtual present to you =)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8TQfapB-nI
Hi Jorina!
Welcome to Elvinology =)
Hope to see you soon! =)
Hi Elvin
Strangely my previous reply was deleted. Was this a technical hiccup or was it because I posted a link?
Well~ it’s fine though, whatever that I wanted to say was more or less the same as the others though.
Except… perhaps… how your entries have the ability to put me into a deep thinking mode. I had to re-read a couple of times to fully understand your message. It’s perhaps not the language, but the presentation. Very… provoking, honest, and… encouraging.
I’m still thinking about those stuff you said a couple of entries back. Hm~
Hi Audrey & Elvin! (:
yup thanks, im looking forward to meeting you guys soon! meantime, lets all vote for Elvin and do the best we can!
do take good care Elvin during your hectic filming! i personally smsed you once through MBlog so far and thanks for replying me! (: I’m the girl who said I’m in NUS law and asked you if u have to film daily =)
Hi Sotongette,
I just watched your self-made video on youtube.
And I really love it~! i even sync it into my ipod. =)
I’m so useless, i teared upon watching it.
Thanks for sharing such a beautiful video.
you are awesome!
Hey thanks Audrey for your support, it really means a lot to me~ All the late nights were worth it! Leave a comment at the youtube site too! =)
No you are not useless, I teared when I watched ROL too. In fact, some of Elvin’s entries here brought back some memories which I wanted to sweep under my carpet, and yes I felt overwhelmed at those thoughts he presented here. Made me think a lot. Encouraging, actually.
can i know the title to the song being played in the background? thanks! nice blog which is very different from other celebrities’ as it is not shallow and superficial.
i googled and found it! cannonball by damien rice. ha! thanks!
Hi Bro Evlin,
Did u bring the kids to the zoo already?
If not, can i go olso??just let mi know when and time of meeting will do.
Thax & Best Regrads
Arroy
Heylo dude,
I remember reading the article in 8days or I-weekly on your visit to the children’s home and the old folks home.
We have an annual event called the LOVE Day coming up in June. During this day or the period around, my colleagues and I are planning to dedicate one/two days to the charity (mainly to the under privileged children). We will organise activities like bringing the kids out for movies, a day at the zoo, a visit to the flyer, etc (TBC).
Would you be able to provide me with the details of the children’s home so that we could touch base with them?
Thanks in advance.
Cheers!
ps. I can’t disclose too much info here, sorry…
Do visit our website http://www.love.cartier.com to find out more.
Hi, a friend gave me the link to your entry. :)
It was really nice having you at BCCSC, and the kids still remember your visit dearly. This entry made me tear, for it is very true, that the kids are simply honest beings and terribly endearing.
Thank you so much for having the heart for them! Do visit us again soon. God bless!
good 100/100
what is your real number? haha