Through my eyes

So, so often I come across people who complain. Bitch about this and that. The country has gone to the dogs. "The fireworks are causing havoc." "The people have lost integrity." "The food is crap and our beaches stink."

I guess at times I'm one of those complainers, even though I make an effort to stop myself every time I can feel the thought entering my brain, (sometimes its just so hard).

There are moments, glimpses really, those flashes that change our vision and allow the light to slip through the negativity and "BOOM!" Eureka, the moment has arrived.

Last week I visited the Haven of Rest in Tongaat. It's a halfway house for abused, abandoned and forgotten souls. It's a place of such sorrow and despair, yet it is filled with so much hope and unfailing faith.

Haven of Rest was founded in 2000 by Ronnie and Shirley Naidoo, who were inspired to establish an institution that would cater for the social development, enhancement and welfare of the local community.

The premises, which used to belong to the Tongaat Hulett Group Hospital, was bought by the Naidoos and transformed into a place of care and support for those who are just not able to take care of themselves.

However it is through the support and endorsement of volunteers, caregivers, sponsors, civil society, religious bodies, community members and partners, that this place is able to exist. And it's that sad existence that broke my heart this weekend.

No matter how messed up our lives appear to be, gosh, how totally sad to find ourselves all alone, abandoned and forgotten! I cannot imagine the sheer magnitude of these souls' desolation.

There are about 150 men, women and children. Each space is divided into beds ten - twelve per room. Men are separated from women and children live in tiny cottages with their surrogate care mothers. There is also a senior's section, a drug rehibilitatin centre, a Hospice and a Kidney and Dialysis Unit. They have a skills development and HIV/AIDS Counselling and testing.

I admire the devotion and the dedication of the people who are involved with this home. They are selfless and completely devoted to the lives of the people who somehow find themselves here.

But the most devastating sight for me was the children who live there. Even though they have everything they need and the place is charming and the people warm and friendly, I still feel retched when I consider how lucky some of us are to have moms and dads and a house filled with family memorabilia and the warm glow of unity.

Their doors are open to all, never turning anyone who walks in requesting a plate of food away. And they need people like you and me to donate our time and our resources for those who have run out of luck.

Please get involved with me in doing something special for the Haven of Rest. December is the perfect time for giving; why not join me in an effort to spread some love. If you want to get involved send me an email: thebugle@mweb.co.za and lets spread the love.