There’s a row of framed photographs lining the TV console in Eva Fatimah Nasrul’s three-room HDB flat in Toa Payoh showing the smiling faces of her family.
As she fishes out more photos from her room to show me; her fingers fondly caress her husband’s face on a portrait of the family enjoying themselves at the Toa Payoh dragon playground.
“During COVID-19, my husband fell sick. He had diabetes and there was a lot of bacteria in his body. One week later, [we found out that] he also had a tumour.
“I didn’t know what to do. I tried to calm down and be patient,” Eva sobbed, fighting back her tears.
Three years after losing her husband, Azman Jamaan, the 46-year-old has found a way to pick up the pieces of her life.
A Big Helping Hand
In the early days of the marriage, money was tight as Azman was the only one working, supporting the couple on a salary of over $1,000.
Their expenses increased when their daughter, Alifah Maysarah and son, Muhammad Zaki, were born in 2008 and 2012, respectively.
Upon her brother-in-law’s recommendation, Eva joined the Food Drinks and Allied Workers’ Union in 2013 and received NTUC-U Care Fund’s help with living expenses.
“I applied a bursary for my daughter when she was in Primary 1. It helped with her books and school bags,” she said.
Throughout the years, the union member also enjoyed other benefits, such as complimentary family day events at Wild Wild Wet, and NTUC Care Fund (e-Vouchers) which can be used for groceries and school supplies.
“Now, things are very expensive, and times are very difficult. I receive NTUC [FairPrice] vouchers and can use it to buy groceries to save money and support my life,” Eva added.
The School of Hard Knocks
When Azman fell ill in 2015 and could not work, Eva had to support the family for the first time in her life.
“It was very difficult for me; I didn’t know what to do because I had no experience.
“Luckily, I could get a job near the house, so I could take care of my sick husband and children,” said Eva, who managed to secure a position in a fast-food restaurant.
As her husband’s condition deteriorated, frequent hospital visits became the norm. His immobility meant having to get around by taxi, straining the family’s already very stretched resources.
“He had to go hospital three times every week. He was very weak and could not take public transport like bus, so I had to find extra transport money for him.
“My friend told me, ‘Kak, why don’t you try delivering food like GrabFood’? You can set your own timing. If you’re not tired, you can just do the job’,” shared Eva.
Life was tough, but Eva was tougher. The dedicated wife eventually took up a second job as a part-time GrabFood delivery rider to fund the extra expenses.
She also volunteered with the Toa Payoh East Community Club in the hope of getting subsidies and other resources to lower the family’s financial burden.
Hope for the Future
After her husband succumbed to his illness, Eva became the family’s sole breadwinner.
Never one to look back, she’s now focused on fulfilling Alifah and Zaki’s dreams of becoming an architect and YouTuber, respectively.
“My greatest hope now is for my kids to have a better life than me. I hope they can study well and get a good job to support themselves,” Eva said.
At the time of the interview, the dedicated mother had accepted a higher-paying F&B job in Sentosa.
Her children are appreciative of all that she has done for them.
“I would like to thank my mum for the sacrifices she’s made for the family,” said Alifah, now 16.
“I hope you live a long life and be happy,” added Zaki, now 12.