VJ Elderly Care Centre manager S. Sarasvathi, speaking with Maha (in yellow, not her real name), who was placed at the home in Kuantan after being abandoned by her family.-NSTP/MUHAMMAD DELIMA ATANMUHAMMAD DELIMA ATAN
By T.n. Alagesh
KUANTAN: Once surrounded by the laughter of her children and the playful chatter of her grandchildren, Deepavali now brings bittersweet memories for Maha (not her real name) - a reminder of the life she once had.
Abandoned by her family, Maha was found sleeping on cardboard sheets along the corridor of a flat here before she was 'rescued' in October 2021 and taken to VJ Elderly Care Centre, a home for the elderly, on Jalan Haji Ahmad.
For the past four years, the 78-year-old has spent the Festival of Lights among fellow residents at the home, sharing stories and watching television programmes to fill the silence.
Yet deep in her heart, she still longs for the day she might see her loved ones again, especially her grandchildren.
"One of my children came to visit me about two years ago, and I have not heard from them since.
"I have become a little forgetful, but I still remember the good old days of Deepavali celebrations at our estate house with my 12 children.
"My children got married and moved elsewhere, but they used to come back to visit me for Deepavali in the estate.
"The house would come alive with my grandchildren running around, the women cooking in the kitchen, and the men sitting outside on the porch... that was in the past," she said when met at the home here today.
Maha said one of her children had dropped by the home several years ago, but since then, she has not heard anything from her family.
"I doubt any of them will come to visit me this year, but I will be happy if they do, especially getting to see my grandchildren," she said, her voice choking with emotion.
Grateful to have proper food and a roof over her head here, Maha said she is already used to her new surroundings and the companionship of her friends at the home.
"I have spent the last four years celebrating Deepavali here. I receive new clothes every year, and there's always plenty of food," she said when asked about the celebrations.
Maha was initially staying with her relatives, but they were forced to vacate their house in 2021 due to rent arrears.
They promised to return for her once they settled down but never came back, prompting her eventual move to the home.
Meanwhile, Rasamah (not her real name), who never married, said she used to work at an estate in Temerloh before deciding to move into the home about a year ago.
The 71-year-old said she has lost contact with all her relatives and does not expect anyone to visit her.
"I am happy here. I spend time picking fresh flowers to make garlands for prayers and sometimes watch Tamil serials on television.
"This will be my second Deepavali celebration at the home.
"Last year, we received new clothes to wear from the owners, and visitors brought food and gifts for all the residents," she said.
The home's owner, Kunhikutty Ravin, said the premises currently house 18 residents, including nine Indians aged between 27 and 89.
"On Deepavali day, all the residents will receive new clothes and be treated to traditional delicacies prepared by my family.
"So far, we have not received any calls from family members or relatives planning to visit them," he said.
Source: abandoned-family-78-year-old-spends-fourth-deepavali-care-home