We had a chance to peek into Amy's life four years after our first encounter in 2017. We were able to catch up with her one morning over a quick breakfast.
Amy shared that her life changed when she started working: “Previously, life was somewhat challenging because of my financial situation and the fact atht my my children were still young. We were very depemdent on help from others. However, things improved once I started working and was able to earn a steady income. I was able to provide my family with a better and healthier lifestyle with less financial strain.”
In 2018, Amy decided to pursue her dream of being a homeowner. She made the scary yet brave decision to apply for a flat. Her application was met with various setbacks and obstacles, but she continued to persevere nevertheless with the help of colleagues.
“The housing journey was really one that was filled with a lot of ups and downs. At times, I got very angry because my application keeps getting rejected. Colleagues stepped in and tried to help. AWARE also helped to appeal and sent letters to MND. HDB finally re-considered and agreed to allocate me a unit.”
As we asked Amy how she coped and what got her through these difficult moments, her laughter filled our presence before she paused and searched for a response: her boisterous nature turned pensive and serious as she shared how she coped with her past.
“Before my divorce, life was a disaster. I tried hard to maintain my family and keep them together. I was thinking a lot and I nearly had some “crooked” thoughts as well. At that time, regardless of what I planned and tried, things just would not get better. Then, I decided to let it be--let it go. Don’t think too much and go with the flow. Whatever comes, then, we settle. I tend to overthinking too much, sometimes it becomes too much and it makes you miserable. When I learnt to let go, life got better. I became happier.”
Amy’s thoughts turned towards her family and the need to adapt to changes during the COVID-19 pandemic. She shared how she had to manage various roles. She happily shared watching her daughter perform PE-HBL at home and laughing as they did their warm-ups and exercise. Her daughters must have overheard her sharing as they came towards the camera as well, playfully “bullying” their mother for sharing home secrets.
“I thank COVID because it drew us together. My two youngest (daughters) are always with me but my eldest son stays elsewhere. During COVID, he started to come back more regularly, at least once or twice a week. It’s good to have him back with the sisters. Though COVID may be a headache with changes to work and HBL, in the long-term there is togetherness (family).”
As we left Amy to return to her family and her breakfast, we were touched by the bond she shared with her daughters and her signature laughter that filled the air with happiness. We eagerly await our next encounter with her, as she continues to persevere and be resilient in the face of these changing circumstances!”
