Mumbai: Joe Monteiro (91) and June Monteiro (94) of Pali Hill in Khar are too old to move around these days. They live alone after their only daughter left for Sydney, but thanks to Madhu Poplai, the secretary of Pali Hill Residents’ Association, the nonagenarian couple has someone to take care of them.
The Monteiros have become too weak due to age, but they are brave and confident, says a smiling Madhu.
“I don’t know how to celebrate the International Women’s Day, but this lady (Poplai) is a good friend. She has been looking after me and my wife,” Joe told Free Press Journal.
To give moral and emotional support to the couple, Poplai takes time out from her hectic schedule to spend some quality hours with them. From keeping checks on the battery strength of their hearing aid machines to helping them out with their finances, Poplai is always a call away.
Joe has lost his memory and cannot recognise people. Neighbours say he was shocked when his daughter left Mumbai. “I don’t know how to explain this pain,” said Joe.
“My daughter has abandoned us but we are blessed with good people around us. Poplai and her family members have been doing everything for me and my ailing husband,” said June.
