Laudium Care Services for the Aged (LCSA) hosted a special mother’s and father’s day celebration yesterday (May 20), at the Laudium Civic Centre, where approximately 150 seniors, board members and community members gathered for a morning of appreciation reflection and joy.
At the event, special tribute was paid to the community’s octogenarian seniors, who had reached the blessed milestone of 80 years and over. One of the highlights of the morning was an inspiring address by the still energetic and ever charming former chairman of the LCSA, Ahmed Arbee, who recently turned 80. Ahmed reminded the seniors that age should never mean the end of purpose. He encouraged them to remain positive despite illness and challenges, to maintain healthy lifestyles, to stay connected with loved ones and to develop an ‘attitude of gratitude.’
Senior member of the LCSA, Charmaine Seroot, also addressed the gathering, congratulating the octogenarians and thanking the elderly for their sacrifices, contributions and wisdom passed on to younger generations. She also paid tribute to mothers and fathers reminding families to appreciate their parents while they are still alive.
LCSA cares… honours octogenarians … celebrates mothers and fathers…
Laudium Care Services for the Aged (LCSA) hosted a special Mother’s and Father’s Day event yesterday (May 20), at the Laudium Civic Centre, bringing together 150 seniors, board members and community members, for a morning of appreciation, reflection and celebration.
At the event, a special tribute was paid to the community’s octogenarians — those who had reached the blessed milestone of 80 years and over. The programme started with a silent prayer, followed by a morning filled with fun and laughter. A special laughter therapy session was presented by Jayesh, followed by various group items, group photos, gifting, group photos, lunch and a joyful birthday celebration.
One of the highlights of the morning was a heartfelt message delivered by the still dynamic Ahmed Arbee, the past chairperson of the LCSA who recently gracefully turned 80. Ahmed reminded the seniors that age should never be seen as the end of purpose, then went on to share the powerful story of a mighty elephant that had once been undefeated in battle but, in old age, became trapped in the mud while drinking from a lake. Despite many attempts, no one could free the elephant. Then, an elderly minister advised the king to play the war drums. As the drums sounded, the elephant remembered its strength, stood tall, and rose from the mud. Ahmed explained that the elephant had not lost its strength, it had only forgotten who it was. Still full of charm, the energetic Ahmed encouraged the seniors to never believe that they are “over the hill” or simply waiting for the end of life. Instead, he urged them to keep living with courage, gratitude and dignity, adding, “When life knocks you down, and when you feel too old or too tired, remember that the warrior inside you is not dead. Sometimes it is only waiting for the right drums to wake it up,” he said.
The former chairperson of LCSA certainly played a pivotal role at the event, clearly shining as a bright star, reminding those in attendance that they should not think that only those growing older face illness and challenges, but both young and old who face illness and challenges should have faith in the Almighty and be positive. He encouraged the seniors to maintain a good attitude, exercise appropriately, eat healthy foods, stay connected with friends, bond with family and develop a deep attitude of gratitude. Ahmed reflected on the countless blessings of life; thousands of sunrises witnessed, a heart that has been beating for 80 years, countless breaths taken and memories made through the grace of the Almighty. His message was clear: age does not remove purpose. Seniors still have wisdom to share, love to give, prayers to make and lives to inspire.
The event ended on a warm and joyful note, with thanks extended to the LCSA, the organisers, volunteers and all who helped honour the elderly mothers and fathers of the community. An exco member of the LCSA told the Laudium Sun, “The event served as a beautiful reminder that our elders are not only part of our past, they remain a living source of strength, guidance and blessing.”
