I missed the Wolrd Cup finals, but my Sunday was more meaningful than any other that I normally had.

We brought about 18 handicap youths out to Suntec City. After that, we took a walk over to One Fullerton. Along Nicoll Highway, we stopped to enjoy the sea breeze and to let them feast their eyes on the view of the sea and of Benjamin Sheares Birdge. We had dinner at Lau Par Sat. Everyone was exhausted, but happy.

Sherena was telling me that some of these youths have never been to Suntec City, nor One Fullerton, nor Lau Par Sat before. One of the guys (he's 20 years old) had never been out of this home alone without his family. We hoped that the outing would open their eyes and help them on their first independent step into the society, instead of cooping themselves up at home all the time. We wanted to show them that there were many places in Singapore that were wheelchair-friendly and that they could visit these places on their own in future.

I'm glad we gave them something special that day. Somehow, some doors were opened. Despite their difference in intellectual level, in medical condition, in mobility and in race, everyone was able to have a good time with each other. I enjoyed myself very much too.

I've learnt so much from them. My awareness level is heightened everytime I work with these people. It's different with them and with HFC. At HFC, I'm the organizer. Ian and I "run" the show and do the background preparations. On Sunday, I was a volunteer. I simply interacted with the people and I was in charge of pushing Sherena from Suntec to Lau Par Sat. It was no mean feat. We had to manouver the wheelchair up and down the curbs and over the bumps and holes in the ground. I had to ensure her safety and make sure that I did not topple the wheelchair as I pushed her up/down the curbs.

Sherena and Judy are 2 very special people. If possible, I would like all my friends to meet them and even my mum to meet them. Their positive attitude to life, never-say-die spirit is so inspiring. Despite being wheelchair bound, they are still giving their time and effort to helping and guiding Singapore's handicap society.

When you know that what you do will bring smiles to their faces and their lives, when you know that with every outing and every be-friending you are opening a door, even if it is by a little creak, then everything, even a friendly hello, is worth all the effort, all the energy, all the time.