A Song on their Lips, A Song in my Heart

by Christina Viegas
Posted on 2008-10-02
"Men do not quit playing because they grow old; they grow old because they quit playing,” said Oliver W Holmes. Who can ever disagree with that statement! Especially, when I found myself fortunate to attend a get together of some senior citizens organised by the Senior Citizen’s Guild, Panjim, at the YMCA, Campal.
As I enter, Mr Manuel Alvares, president of the guild welcomes me with absolute warmth and introduces me to the group of seniors and I am amazed at the applause they render in welcoming me.
Mr Alvares enlightens me, “We members meet socially on the second and fourth Sunday of each month. It is a much looked forward to gathering of seniors who interact with each other and share experiences.”
This is clearly evident as I see the happiness and joy writ large on each one’s countenance. One of the members, Ms Magaret Fernandes starts crooning, “No matter what they take from us, they can’t take away our dignity…” and so on. I am astonished at her energy and cheeriness as she sashays and keeps the group in high spirits.
One of the ladies pipes in, “She is the greatest entertainer and is so spontaneous.” When I look at this lady, I am shocked that she comes under the senior citizen category as she is radiating beauty and life that can put a 20 year-old to shame. She is Ms Lucy Almeida who keeps blushing as I admire her openly.
Another member, Ms Yvette Rozario keeps hovering around to see that I am well taken care of. She says, “Nice of you to have come dear!” Oh lady! I am lucky to have been invited here!
With the commencing of the games, the zest and din starts riding high reaching a new crescendo. Each one is clamouring to win with mock rivalry and the members keep screaming out jovial bickerings at each other.
I am impressed to see one gentleman dressed to the nines in suit and boot. He is Mr Octavio Rodrigues, the vice president of the guild. Amidst laughter I am told by his comrades, “He takes great pains in always dressing well.”
I quickly tease him asking if he impressed a lot of girls in his hey days. The laughter increases as the members quip, “He still dresses to kill.”
Now comes the moment which I find difficult to handle. The fatherly Mr Francis S D Souza, puts an arm around me and tells me in an appreciating manner, “I’m so happy to meet you. I read every article of yours. Daily, I open the paper and look for your byline and initials and read those stories first.” Oh! What can I say? My heart is just bursting!
The committee organises outdoor events too like picnics, visits to spice farms, cruises etc. Ms Yvette Rozario elucidates, “We get together and try to help other seniors from homes in changing negative to positive energy.”
It is amazing to see some of the lonely seniors forget their worries, leave their walking sticks and crutches and join in the singing and dancing.
I am enlightened that there are some good, kind souls in Goa who volunteer in many ways in making these social gatherings a success. According to Ms Rozario, the senior members being presented with a bottle of Figuera White Port Wine by a kind benefactor, at a recent gathering, brought forth many happy smiles from the heart.
This is one enriching jamboree which our youngsters need to be part of in order to learn to stop complaining and see how one can enjoy life at any age. Perhaps, youngsters can volunteer in driving the members from their faraway villages to these gatherings, which would be tremendous help for the aged. As I leave, I am swathed with warmth in being part of an enriching experience.