My neighbour on wheelchair

My neighbour. When we moved in some 11 years ago, he was a healthy middle aged man who chatted with me if we were waiting for the lift, he told me he has two daughters. 

A few years later, I noticed a ramp built outside his unit. I later learnt he had both legs amputated and moved about in a wheelchair. We exchanged hi-byes and didn't talk much beyond that. His daily routine for dinner was that he would travel in his motorized wheelchair to the 201 hawker for dinner with his friends about about 6.45pm, and return two hours later. On a few occasions, it was pouring and I was concerned why he decided to head out despite the rain. Once, he insisted to head out because "my friends are waiting for me". Once or twice when the lift broke down and he had no food at home, I offered to Grab food for him. I remembered a packet of chicken rice to his doorstep costed $15, but paying a premium seemed the only option.

I eventually realised the reason why he always headed out for dinner - his daughter who used to stay with him had moved out to be closer to her workplace, whilst his wife worked unusual hours. In Feb 2026, his wheelchair battery was dead and replacement could only be done in a few days' time. With no one to turn to, he called me for help.

First, he requested for Hokkien mee from 201. 

Then, it was hor fun on CNY day 3. We were out so I ordered Grab but they cancelled on me (shortage of riders as it was raining cats and dogs and being CNY) last minute, I dabaoed from a coffeeshop otw home. It was 10ish pm by the time he ate.

Next, he asked for siew mai and 大包. "Remember put chilli," he called me twice to remind. 

His wheelchair was repaired after that, thankfully.

Not long after, I received a call from him again during a work day. He asked if I was at home, if I could help him troubleshoot his TV which was not emitting sound. I was legit at work, and I told him that.

 

Last week, I saw a WhatsApp notification from him. Wondered if he needed help again? It was a picture message that surfaced:

 

😢

That explained why he looked more frail and listless lately....

He was already sick to begin with.... I feel sad for him of the quality of his last days... Ppl dream of happy times with family members but I believe he didn't have it that way unfortunately.

Got money really doesn't mean anything if you don't have (fairly) good health and the company of loved ones who genuinely care for you.

In a way I feel thankful that I managed to buy food for him last month of his requests - hor fun, siew mai and big bun, hokkien mee. These were meals which gave him comfort. I'm glad I had helped him in my capacity. RIP Mr Chia.