Uncle Kevin’s life once shone bright with success and generosity. He was a prosperous businessman and a generous soul who regularly gave to charity. At 58 years old, however, fate dealt him a cruel hand. His health began to deteriorate severely with diabetes and kidney failure, leading him down a dark path of despair and hopelessness.
When Uncle Kevin first met his counsellor, his spirit was crushed beneath the weight of depression.
"I don't want to live anymore,"
those were the words he said in their first encounter. He could not accept that his once vibrant life is now overshadowed by illness and financial ruin. Every day, he had to endure excruciating neurological pain and the frightening fact that he is losing his eyesight progressively. Needing his 85 years-old mother to take care of him again was unbearable shame for his proud self. As his world faded into darkness, Uncle Kevin could not stop himself spiralling into despair.
“You are the only one who sat through when I told you all my plans to die. Many people ran away.”
Our counsellor recognised that Uncle Kevin's depression stemmed not only from mental anguish but also from the harsh realities of his physical and financial struggles. Acting as a beacon of hope, the counsellor stood by Uncle Kevin's side, bridging the gap between him and the Social Service Office, easing the burden of financial stress by securing monthly aid and medical support.
Yet, the journey towards healing had only just begun. Recognising Uncle Kevin's physical pains, the counsellor accompanied him to medical appointments, ensuring his comfort and advocating for his needs.
"Finally, I feel like I'm being heard,"
Uncle Kevin was truly grateful. With the support of the counsellor and the social workers, arrangements were made for home care services and medical escorts, alleviating Uncle Kevin's sense of isolation and restoring his dignity.
As the counsellor delved deeper into Uncle Kevin's struggles, it became evident that his pain extended beyond the physical realm. Through gentle guidance and unwavering support, the counsellor encouraged Uncle Kevin to confront his inner demons, to grieve for the losses he had endured, and to rediscover the joys of life. Together, they navigated through the darkness, one step at a time, addressing each obstacle with courage and resilience.
When suicidal ideations threatened to engulf Uncle Kevin, the counsellor remained a steadfast companion, offering unwavering support and understanding.
"You've given me hope,"
Uncle Kevin acknowledged, as the counsellor empowered him to rediscover his zest for life, encouraging him to pursue his passions and aspirations.
In a moment of unexpected revelation, Uncle Kevin discovered solace and purpose in the art of songwriting. Pouring his heart into his music, he found a sense of catharsis and expression.
"It's like I'm rediscovering a part of myself,"
Uncle Kevin shared when he penned lyrics that echoed the depths of his soul.
As Uncle Kevin's life journey nears its end, the counsellor continues to stand by his side, fulfilling his final wishes with grace and dignity. Through moments of joy and sorrow, they embrace the precious gift of life, cherishing each moment as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Uncle Kevin’s heart is filled with gratitude for the companionship and understanding.
The tale of Uncle Kevin and his compassionate counsellor serves as a reminder of the transformative power of empathy and kindness, and the profound impact that a single act of compassion can have on a life in need.
In our counsellor’s own words,
“As counsellors, we journey with our clients. We don’t walk ahead of them. We don’t walk behind them. We walk beside them and at their pace. We can hold them when they need us to and talk to them like friends.”
* The name and photo, and some details in this story have been changed to protect the privacy and confidentiality of the client.
O’Joy’s Counsellor - Magdalene has been dedicatedly supporting Uncle Kevin since October 2019 and maintains regular visits to monitor and attend to his evolving needs.
Uncle Kevin is among the clients benefiting from waived fees due to financial hardships. Your generous donations to support our Services for Older Persons play a vital role in enabling vulnerable seniors like Uncle Kevin to lead more meaningful and fulfilling lives despite the obstacles they encounter.