For subscribers
Reuniting with neighbours after 40 years, thanks to Moulmein Road memories
How casual reminiscences led to a serendipitous reconnection with neighbours after four decades.
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
Picture of neighbour’s reunion taken on March 1 at Swensen’s Cafe, AMK Hub. Back row: The author Paul Tan with Audrey Perera. Front row from left: the author’s mother, his aunt, cousin Angeline and Anne Perera.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF PAUL TAN
Paul Tan
It started with Mother’s reminiscences about her youth. Speaking in Teochew, she would recount details of her childhood home in Moulmein Road, a house in a row of nine now-demolished units. Urban redevelopment and road widening plans had made this inevitable. It was easy to prompt her to talk about its open courtyard, functioning well, and the tight spiral staircase that led to a roof where laundry was dried.
Those of us who are caregivers of loved ones with dementia would appreciate how memories from decades ago are always more firmly lodged. While Mother may not remember what she had for lunch and how to manage the monies in her purse, these recollections came back with reassuring regularity. I thought her growing-up years in Moulmein was a good conversation starter, while providing mental stimulation and even emotional comfort.
