People Have Changed ...

People in Penang have changed … for the better. At least, that’s what I think. From my own experience, I have found them to be more caring about other people especially if they’re seniors in their golden years. Let me cite a few incidences.

Mum and I were at the bank recently waiting for it to open. I think we had about 15 minutes more to wait. Along came these two gentlemen. They looked the rough type with untidy hair and ruffled clothes. If I had met them in a dark alley, I would have run for my life!

However, to my surprise, when they saw Mum standing there, one of them approached the bank’s security guard who was sitting comfortably in his chair, and asked whether he could borrow it for Mum. The guard obliged and soon Mum had a chair to sit on. When the bank opened, this same gentleman returned the chair to the guard without being asked. We of course thanked him and he politely waved aside our thanks.

Another incident – we were both walking to the car park after prayers one evening. The car park is quite dark and full of pot holes and big stones, so we had to be careful and watch our step. I noticed someone was reversing his car to get out and when he saw us, he shone his headlights in our direction so that we could see where we were going. He waited until we had reached our car before slowly driving off. It was a simple act of kindness and my only regret is that we didn’t have a chance to thank him.

Then again one afternoon, Mum decided to pop in at our usual hair salon. We knew of course that we had to wait as we had not made an appointment, but I had a pleasant surprise when a gentleman who was just being attended to, got up and said Mum could go first and that he didn’t mind waiting!

So you can see what I mean. It is nice being given “VIP” treatment wherever we go, though this is not always the case. Mum is certainly enjoying all the attention she gets!

You guys out there, keep up the good work! And don’t forget me when I'm old and grey and have to use a walking stick!