An elderly woman was left in a difficult situation after one of her adult children had decided to leave the six children under her care due to their being unable to cope with raising the kids.
Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng took to his Facebook page to share how the 66-year-old woman, known as Madam Chow, had to switch to survival mode as she had to ensure that she could put food on the table for her six grandchildren.
She looks after six grandchildren and has no steady income
He wrote, “At 66 years old, Madam Chow thought she would finally be able to rest. Instead, she is raising 6 grandchildren on her own. In a small, ageing house in Jinjang Selantan, Kuala Lumpur, this soft-spoken grandmother wakes up every day with the same quiet worry. How to make sure there is enough food for everyone.”
“She struggles to walk and has no steady income. Yet, she carries the responsibility of six children aged between 7 and 16.”
The eldest of the grandchildren had recently dropped out of secondary school, while the youngest just started primary school.
“The family survives on small amounts of money sent back by her children, occasional help from religious groups and the kindness of neighbours. A church brings rice and snacks every month. The Tzu Chi Foundation Malaysia gives assistance once a year. A kind neighbour even pays for the children’s school bus fees,”
“When she developed cataracts, the church paid for both eye surgeries. One operation at a private hospital costs about RM3,000. She still remembers how helpless she felt then,” he added.
One of her grandchildren also fell seriously ill with a kidney disease and had to be rushed to a hospital after suffering severe bleeding. Despite all of the hardships endured, Madam Chow merely wants to ensure that she and her grandchildren have enough to fill their stomachs.
Holding down the fort while her children rebuild their lives
Lim went on to share how the elderly woman had worked 3 jobs when she was younger, in an effort to raise her children. However, at her current age, she finds it difficult to work due to leg pains.
“Her children made mistakes in the past, but today, they are working outstation and trying to rebuild their lives. They send back what little they can. It is not much but at least she no longer worries about them going astray. Her grandchildren are slowly learning to be independent. When she calls, they help with chores. They understand their grandmother is tired.”
Lim visited Madam Chow just before Chinese New Year, bringing her and her grandchildren mandarin oranges, festive cookies, food and ang pows.
With the money given, she plans on bringing her grandchildren out, as they often stay at home and rarely go anywhere.
“No luxuries. No big dreams. Just a grandmother who has already raised her children and is now raising another generation with tired legs, a gentle heart and endless love,”
“Sometimes, the strongest people are the quietest. They carry the heaviest burdens and still choose to love.”
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Also read: “I have nowhere to go” – M’sian Woman Assaulted & Kicked Out of Home by Husband on CNY Eve
