19/04/2025
KNOCKING FEE
PLEASE SPARE SOME TIME AND READ THIS STORY
One of the houses I deliver newspapers to had its mailbox locked. So, I went up to the home's front door and knocked.
Mr. David, an elderly man with unsteady steps, slowly opened the door.
I asked, "Sir, why is your mailbox locked?"
He replied, "I blocked it on purpose."
He smiled and continued, "I want you to deliver the newspaper to me every day. Please knock on the door or ring the bell and hand it to me in person."
I was puzzled and replied, "Sure, but that seems like a whole lot of inconvenience for you and a waste of time."
He said with a little naughty smile on the folds of his wrinkled lips, "It's all right. I'll pay you extra each month as Knocking Fee.
With a pleading expression, he added,
"If there ever comes a day when you knock on the door and find no response, please call the police."
I was shocked and asked, "Why, Sir?"
He replied, "My wife passed away, my son is overseas, and I live here all alone, who knows when my time will come."
At that moment, I saw the old man's misty, moist eyes.
He further said, "I never read the newspaper. I subscribe it to hear the sound of knocking or doorbell ringing. To see a familiar face and exchange a few pleasantries."
He clasped his hands and said, "Young man, please do me a favor. Here's my son's phone number overseas. He rarely calls or checks up on me. So, please, if one day you knock on the door and I don't answer, please call my son to inform him that I have gone back to my maker." His face looked forlon, as he slowly closed the door.
THOUGHTS/REFLECTIONS
After reading this, I realized there are so many solitary, lonely, elderly people among our circle of friends.
Sometimes, you might have wondered why they, in their old age, still send messages on WhatsApp, just like in the days when they were still working.
Actually, the significance of these morning and evening greetings is similar to the meaning of knocking or ringing the doorbell; it's a way of wishing each other safety and conveying care.
Nowadays, WhatsApp or Telegram is very convenient, and we don't need to subscribe to newspapers anymore.
If you have the time, teach your elderly family members how to use WhatsApp.
One day, if you don't receive their morning greetings or shared articles, they might be unwell or something may have happened to them.
Please care for your friends and family. After reading this, my heart swelled up with tears of joy.
I deeply understood the significance of our WhatsApp messages or phone calls to each other.🙏
