The corridors of the elderly people’s home… part I

Dearest Loyal Reader,

I am seated alone in late night hours, by our dining table with a lot of illustrations. I sigh looking at each one, wishing that I can do something to help the person who drew these in late hours as such, all alone. Except I have a family to wake up to, he doesn’t.

I decide to reach out for my laptop and write a new post for you, perhaps you can feel my inner struggle, and maybe your emotions can do me a little favour. Here is the story of how these ended up at the dining table of my house….

Earlier in the week, with my dearest Saza, I visited the nursing home. Something I used to do often during my university days (I know it is not an excuse, but have been busy with life and my visits have become less frequent).

I was so proud as I walked in and witnessed my friend Aral Kakl’s contribution to the place. Wait, I have to tell this story,  but let’s write in the next entry, shall we? (Because right now my mind wants to focus only on these illustrations placed in front of me)

Every visit has a highlight, this time I was sitting by the door with none other than Pura Gulizar, but from the corner of my eye I noticed one of the people there on a wheel chair. Dressed to please, in a suit and a tie, he stood out. He was holding a bunch of papers while gazing outside the window.

Nosy me, I couldn’t resist not knowing what were in those papers. Just the way they were held made them seem very important. He also looked very lonely, I knew he can do with some company.

I excused myself from Pura Gulizar, she didn’t hide her disappoint at all (hahaha) and walked over to the man on the wheelchair and his papers. “Can I ask what is inside those,” I asked, embarrassed.

He introduced himself as Khalil, for respect I will refer to him as Maam (uncle) Khalil.

And there, my loyalist reader, began what was an hour of conversations. He spoke a little English, he is nearly 70, and during the long nights in the elderly’s home he likes to draw.

He showed me paper after paper of his illustrations. Explained to me the words, the stories and the poems he has written. What a beautiful hobby to have, even when you are 70 and living in an elderly people’s home!!

Maam Khalil, I learn is a man who has loved, who has lost the love of his children and his wife. I must say, a very lovely man. That’s all I know about him, not much, but enough for me to appreciate his humble art. Oh yes, and he doesn’t have many colours or for that matter much paper to keep drawing.

He gave all the illustrations he had with him to me, of course after explaining each one. I want to sell them, and take the money they make back to the elderly’s home. With the donations made I will make sure Maam Khalil gets lots of paper and drawing materials to continue his hobby, and with what is left a few other little bits and pieces for others living there will be purchased.

The nursing home, year after year is improving. I admire and appreciate everyone who is working there. With limited resources they try to make the most of what they have. But if we can help and brighten the days (and long nights) of some of the people there, then why not? I hope you can reach out and help by purchasing Maam Khalil’s illustrations, I am asking for 5, 000 for each, that’s like $3.50? Not even the cost of a burger. Place it in your home, and appreciate all your moments when ever you see it.

Here are some of the illustrations, Facebook me (while you are there Like the My Nest in Kurdistan page), drop me an email, tweet on Instagram message me if you want any of these.

Lots of love from My Nest in Kurdistan

Sazan,