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Typo in thread title : the cleaner auntie failed PSLE (due to undiagnosed dyslexia), so she's not a PSLE grad.
https://mothership.sg/2019/12/cleaner-talk-to-doctor-about-life/
Malcolm Tan
on Friday
50+/C/F/cleaner.
She spoke fluent Mandarin, punctuated by my laboured variant.
"I'm sorry that your scan is not reported yet, we have to cancel your appointment today and I will give you a call once the report is done. Do you need an MC for today's trip?"
...
"It's okay, I apply for leave to come for medical appointments, my boss does not accept MCs for planned medical visits. Otherwise I won't get paid. I'm very grateful that you arranged for my tests and scans to be done early even though you did not have to."
"It's not me. It's the clinic, nurses, clinic staff, radiology dept and their staff. Everyone here plays a part in treating you."
And a long conversation followed, one in which she shared her broad views of society and life.
"Yes, but hospital is as good as the people who work here. How well the hospital treats its patients is an extension of how our government (政府) treats its people. Good and prompt treatment instills trust (信任), and old people like me realise that our government is responsible (责任感) and cares for us even when we become useless. In more ways than one, you represent (代表) the government and how it treats us."
"Your hospital staff has been kind. I have been a cleaner for a long time and I see Singaporeans from all walks. Believe me when I say that people often look down (看低) on us, we who hold poorly paid jobs. To them, we do not exist and when we do, we are usually needed to tidy a mess."
"I studied in a Chinese school and could not pass PSLE. Both English and Chinese words do not make sense to me (?dyslexic) so I cannot read or write. I listen to the news on TV though, so that helps me keep in touch with the world. No certificate (文凭), no English, only my hands to work. Cleaning is one of the few jobs that do not require any skills or training."
She paused, "Are you busy? Do you have time to listen to a long-winded (羅嗦) auntie?"
"Yes, you're the last patient for today and I'm not pressed for time."
"Young Singaporeans are very fortunate (命好), they have no idea how good the current government is, in comparison to other countries. They don't know the hardship (命苦) many older Singaporeans have experienced and are still living through. But I do not feel angry at them, they do not know yet. Some will never know and it's okay, it means they have good lives. I cannot change how they view others like myself, but I can decide how I feel and react to them and it does not bother me. My son does not understand this but it is my hope that some day he does."
"Our lives are defined by our utility to other people. I don't have have enough money to help others but I have two hands (双手) and when I can, I do. We all play our roles in society, even a cleaner keeps the public space clean and is thus a useful member of society. You are a doctor, and your role is to help the sick, thus you are a contributing to society (对社会的贡献) as well. One day when I cannot work and serve no purpose to others (无用), then I will go quietly."
"When good things happen to me, I will go to the temple to give thanks and try to be a better person to others. Are you sure I don't need to pay for today's visit? Will it affect your pay? I feel bad. I know what to do later......"
In all of 10 minutes, an illiterate lady touched on concepts of utility, Stoicism, dignity, duty and purpose, perspectives which elude many. The only English word she used was "cleaner".
https://mothership.sg/2019/12/cleaner-talk-to-doctor-about-life/
Malcolm Tan
on Friday
50+/C/F/cleaner.
She spoke fluent Mandarin, punctuated by my laboured variant.
"I'm sorry that your scan is not reported yet, we have to cancel your appointment today and I will give you a call once the report is done. Do you need an MC for today's trip?"
...
"It's okay, I apply for leave to come for medical appointments, my boss does not accept MCs for planned medical visits. Otherwise I won't get paid. I'm very grateful that you arranged for my tests and scans to be done early even though you did not have to."
"It's not me. It's the clinic, nurses, clinic staff, radiology dept and their staff. Everyone here plays a part in treating you."
And a long conversation followed, one in which she shared her broad views of society and life.
"Yes, but hospital is as good as the people who work here. How well the hospital treats its patients is an extension of how our government (政府) treats its people. Good and prompt treatment instills trust (信任), and old people like me realise that our government is responsible (责任感) and cares for us even when we become useless. In more ways than one, you represent (代表) the government and how it treats us."
"Your hospital staff has been kind. I have been a cleaner for a long time and I see Singaporeans from all walks. Believe me when I say that people often look down (看低) on us, we who hold poorly paid jobs. To them, we do not exist and when we do, we are usually needed to tidy a mess."
"I studied in a Chinese school and could not pass PSLE. Both English and Chinese words do not make sense to me (?dyslexic) so I cannot read or write. I listen to the news on TV though, so that helps me keep in touch with the world. No certificate (文凭), no English, only my hands to work. Cleaning is one of the few jobs that do not require any skills or training."
She paused, "Are you busy? Do you have time to listen to a long-winded (羅嗦) auntie?"
"Yes, you're the last patient for today and I'm not pressed for time."
"Young Singaporeans are very fortunate (命好), they have no idea how good the current government is, in comparison to other countries. They don't know the hardship (命苦) many older Singaporeans have experienced and are still living through. But I do not feel angry at them, they do not know yet. Some will never know and it's okay, it means they have good lives. I cannot change how they view others like myself, but I can decide how I feel and react to them and it does not bother me. My son does not understand this but it is my hope that some day he does."
"Our lives are defined by our utility to other people. I don't have have enough money to help others but I have two hands (双手) and when I can, I do. We all play our roles in society, even a cleaner keeps the public space clean and is thus a useful member of society. You are a doctor, and your role is to help the sick, thus you are a contributing to society (对社会的贡献) as well. One day when I cannot work and serve no purpose to others (无用), then I will go quietly."
"When good things happen to me, I will go to the temple to give thanks and try to be a better person to others. Are you sure I don't need to pay for today's visit? Will it affect your pay? I feel bad. I know what to do later......"
In all of 10 minutes, an illiterate lady touched on concepts of utility, Stoicism, dignity, duty and purpose, perspectives which elude many. The only English word she used was "cleaner".
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