Happy as the day airman gets pay

The Star Friday August 11, 2006

By VIVIENNE PAL
Photos by LOW LAY PHON  

J IM SCULLY sat quietly by the door with his hands crossed neatly on his lap, his sparse salt-and-pepper hair slightly disheveled. There was a noticeable twinkle in the 90-year-old's eye, and for very good reason, too - Jim and 13 of his fellow residents from the Phyllis Caring Home in Section 12, Petaling Jaya, had a surprise visit from a group of youngsters.  

The 50-odd visitors were foundation students from the Cyberjaya University College of Medical Sciences. “I'm as happy as the day that an airman gets his pay,” he said quoting the song Sixpence in a brief moment of lucidity. Scully had just enjoyed a hearty lunch, thanks to the students who whipped up a la minute steaming hot ABC soup, chicken stew, mixed vegetables, French fries and a variety of finger foods.  

According to lecturer Ambika Menon, the visit was part of the students' Moral project and in line with the university motto - Nurturing the Passion to Care. “A lot of attention has been given to orphanages, so the students felt it would be nice to focus on the senior citizens for a change,” said Ambika.  

What initially started out as part of a curriculum for non-Muslim students evolved into a heartfelt visit to cheer up the senior citizens, which involved students of all races and religions. The project was fully funded by the college. “We are putting our Moral theories into practice,” said project leader Ishvar Kaur Godrei, 18. “This is good exposure for us as future doctors. That aside, it is our duty to care for the older generation. If we don't do it, who will?” 

It only took the students' two weeks to organise themselves. By the day of the visit, the students had been divided systematically into various teams. “They have teams for cooking, gardening, entertainment, feeding and more so that things will flow efficiently,” said lecturer Taznim Mohd Mohidin. Upon arrival, the teams dispersed and got to work.  

Depending on their “duties,” students were seen happily feeding, talking or singing to the residents, cooking and clearing the weeds in the garden. “I enjoyed the food,” said Eva Jalleh, who at 97 years old is one of the oldest residents at the home. “I'm so happy today. They (the students) are friends, and I get a chance to talk,” she said.  

Caregiver Phyllis Nathan, who founded the home some 14 years ago, was just as happy.   For her, seeing the smiles on the faces of the residents was an uplifting experience. “We've always had visitors come by, but this is the first time that we had a group come here and cook for them, feed them, sing and talk to them in such a big and personal way, and I'm so happy,” said Phyllis, who is in her 60s.“Some of them have no family, no one to talk to and it is very heartening to know there are people out there who care enough to come and give the elderly a chance just to talk.”