Against All Odds: Elderly Grandmother Raises Grandchildren While Daughter Rebuilds Her Life

“For Habsah Binte Dol, each weekday begins at 2am. Despite being 73, she rises before dawn to begin her shift at a hawker stall in Bedok, where she cooks ayam penyet for long hours. She works five days a week, clocking in 12-hour shifts, to provide for her two grandchildren, now aged 14 and 18.

This responsibility fell on her shoulders when her only daughter, Roselin Woon, was imprisoned in 2024 for drug-related offences. Though Roselin has since been released, Habsah continues working tirelessly to keep the household afloat, earning under $1,000 a month.

After finishing her workday at 4pm, Habsah doesn’t rest. She returns home to prepare dinner, run errands and manage all the housework—from laundry to sweeping. Though visibly exhausted at times, she remains determined to keep going for her family’s sake.

Reflecting on the past year, she shared how lonely and difficult life had become after losing her husband in 2016 and taking on the unexpected role of sole caregiver. “There were moments when I felt completely alone and overwhelmed,” she said. “I never thought I’d be raising children again at this age.”

Still, the experience brought her closer to her grandchildren, especially Alif, the elder of the two, who is currently serving national service. He expressed deep gratitude for his grandmother’s sacrifices. “She could’ve just enjoyed retirement, but instead she chose to stand by us,” he said. “Whenever possible, I help take care of my sister to ease her burden.”

His younger sister, Sara, was preparing for her PSLE when their mother was incarcerated. Now in secondary school, she too is adjusting to life with her mother back at home.

Roselin, 43, is working hard to rebuild her relationship with her children. Employed as a kitchen assistant in a restaurant, she’s focused on starting anew. “I regret my past deeply,” she admitted. “I missed so much of their lives, but I’ve changed, and I’m doing everything I can to be there for them now.”

Her mother has noticed the difference. “She’s closer to the children now, more responsible. I can see she wants to make things right,” Habsah said with a quiet smile.

The family is receiving guidance and support from New Life Stories, a non-profit organisation helping families affected by incarceration. Through their family strengthening programme, Habsah, Roselin, and the children are learning to heal and move forward—together.

Though their road has been marked by hardship, this small family’s journey is also one of determination, forgiveness and deep intergenerational love.”