I am Boon. Fifteen years ago I had retired from my previous job.
Presently 80 years old with no family to spend my last days with.
Through a care organisation, I'm being admitted to this particular
old folks home in the northern part of Singapore. The place is
fine, but just that the people there are extremely resiliant to new
people and talking was like a taboo which everyone hates. It is
quiet, perhaps too quiet. Death is something that all of use had
once never thought of but now so near and the verge of us. Some of
us wished for it, some don't but inevitably all will come to face
this almost everyday of our remaining lives. People comes and goes
in the old folks home. Many never returned. Its like a place where
the highest number of dying age group gathers in an compound of not
more than a 700 sqm area. But this particular home is rather unique
from others.
One night I couldn't sleep and was fliping around in the bed
thinking of my life through and the days to come before I shall
leave this world back to the Lord. As the time struck 2, I heard a
strange noise coming from the other room. I tossed it off as
perhaps someone struggling to go to the toilet and went on to my
sleep. The next day, we got to know that Nancy. From the
neighbouring rooms had came the time to leave us to a better place.
The noise that I heard must be the final struggle before the time
is here.
The second night, again I was sleepless. Wondering and thinking
about the incident that happened last night. Then the clock stucked
2. I heard the same soft but clear noise that comes from another
part of the corridor. The next day, we got to know that our Lord
Jesus had recalled another of our folks mate home. I wonder when
would the time be for me that I may too return to our precious
Lord.
For the couple of weeks that follows, whenever there is someone
leaving this world to a better place. The night before I would hear
this soft but distinctive noise emitted from the room. So one night
while I was again, waiting for the clock to stuck 2, I lay awake.
Just before I actually fell into a slumber the same distinct sound
awaken me. My curiousity overtook me as I got up to find out what
is exactly happening.
To be continued.
