Poor in wealth, rich in heart

If anything, the story of the 10-year old who captured the imagination of the country certainly had me with mixed feelings.

At last the proper welfare had been secured for Yeap Jia Hui as his childless great aunt and uncle are awaiting the legal papers on taking him under the their care.

Before this he had to live by himself in a rubbish-filled apartment in Penang, living on the weekly money that his money banked for him in RM20 - 30 amounts whilst having to sleep in a space big enough for just his mattress, inhaling the stench of the place. When the money stopped, a Good Samaritan by the name of Lau gave him food when he was hungry although that had never stopped him from attending school, doing his homework and going out to play with his friends at a kampung behind the flat.

Part of me had tears welling in the eyes and lump in the throat thinking about the hardship that he had to go through with nobody to call for if trouble comes - fortunately enough the only problems he's had were dirty uniforms and cockroaches.

Children shouldn't have to live like this.

Part of me was proud of him as he's missed school understandably because nobody took care of him and yet absenteeism wasn't done because he felt like it. He was a winner of a few ping pong tourneys, a competitor in singing contests and a Boy Scout. He also consistently scored 90% and above in class although the grades dropped ever since his mother left him alone.

He lived like how a child should even when the odds were against him.

The more I read about it, the more I worry for the kids in my previous workplace who need not worry about pocket money and presents for birthdays. I don't blame them for being born into a fortunate family or implying that all are spoilt brats, but I do wish they can learn to be like this little soldier - humility and perseverance.

The story doesn't end here though as another family of children abandoned by their parents in Seremban had an 18-year old named Toh Chee How scraping to feed and house his siblings in a room no bigger than an average classroom. He insisted that he does not want to part with his five siblings and would continue to provide for them as the eldest. Again, another Good Samaritan helped by not collecting rent for their house when he found out about their plight.

Talk about being responsible. He's the unsung hero in a world dominated with Britney Spears gossip and more deaths in Iraq.

To the two good people, Lau and the owner of the rented house in Seremban, God never forget those who showed mercy to His children.