Sometimes life throws you experiences that are totally humbling.
Last week I had one of those experiences. I was privileged to meet some incredible elderly people – a few diamonds, shining brightly despite incredibly poor living conditions and some very sad histories.
Lidia from Together for Cambodia took me to meet a group of grandmothers and one grandfather, who are supported through the organisation’s community program, Diamond Age.
This beautiful couple – aged around 75 and 85 respectively – were a little bit shy of the camera and very stiff and formal. But when they relaxed they broke out into beautiful, heartwarming smiles. Lidia says they only support one grandfather, the rest are grandmothers, because many men of this generation died during Cambodia’s years of terror under the Khmer Rouge. It is a very sobering thought.
The support provided through the Diamond Age program is mostly food supplies. Previously, many of them were living on a diet of boiled rice with salt. Some were still working for a pittance to try and pay their way. Some have no family to help them, others have families who are too poor to support them.
This lovely lady was so thankful to receive the box of food supplied to her. She was delighted to receive visitors. Social workers also attend the visits to these aged people, to check on their health – physical and mental – and make sure they are doing well.
Until recently this gorgeous grandmother, who has poor eye sight, was making grass mats to keep herself busy. She would collect the grass and dry it, then weave it into beautiful mats and sell them. But her back has been too sore and she has not been able to make any recently.
This group of seniors, have very little in terms of personal possessions and financial wealth. But they make up for it in warmth and heart.
Despite their circumstances they have huge smiles and are quick to laugh, they are so grateful and very welcoming.
And that is really what is so humbling.
In reality, it is easy to be humbled in this country, but some situations are more profound than others.
Isabel says
What a beautiful post about these elderly people. I love the photos too. Since my Grandma died last year (the last of my grandparents to pass away) I sometimes feel like I wish I had more contact with older people. There can be a divide between generations – you have your peers, you have your parents generation and their friends, but I don’t know many people in their 70s and 80s. Your post made me sad, but appreciative of the good work of organisations like Together for Cambodia. Would you recommend a visit to Cambodia? I am currently in China, on uni holidays, and looking for travel ideas…Isabel
admin says
Hi Isabel,
Thanks for stopping by. And thanks for the lovely comments. Old people are great. I have been lucky to know a number of seniors, from next door neighbours, to people who I have met travelling and it is great to get a different perspective on life. I recently read a story about a pre school that was set up in a nursing home in America. I imagine there are many challenges with it but what a great way to cross the age divide.
And yes, I would absolutely recommend a visit to Cambodia. We fell in love with the country on our first visit, which was just for a few days, about six years ago. Cambodia is renowned for huge smiles and everywhere you go you are greeted by a warm smile. It is a country with many challenges but the people are so warm. Of course, there are also the ancient wonders of Angkor Wat and surrounding temples and many areas of natural beauty. But for us, it is the people that drew us here.
Sara | Belly Rumbles says
Fantastic photos Sam, you ended up capturing the smiles as they left the formal stiffness behind. I can only imagine the stories they could have shared. It is great to see that there is an organisation looking out for this group.
Sam says
Hi Sara! Thanks so much for stopping by. I love Belly Rumbles and visit it often. Thanks for the feedback. They really are lovely old people and some of them have tragic histories. It is amazing how much of a difference a small thing like this can make.