The World Of Tzu Chi(Vol.112)

2019 • 07 10 eature seize the opportunity and retrieve any discarded glass bottles, no matter how heavy they are.” She cherishes every opportunity to carry out recycling work, and would be so preoccupied to the extent that she becomes oblivious to her ailments and the passage of time. Her close friend, Sok Ten, however, is concerned about her devotion. “I always advise her not to exert herself too much as she frequently complains of aches all over her body. Yet, she spends most of her spare time on recycling work, sometimes continuing till late at night. I even have to remind her to go home. It breaks my heart,” she confessed, on the verge of tears. Yet May not only gathers recyclables within her own apartment block, but also collects recyclables from Sok Ten’s apartment block. Appreciative of Yet May’s efforts and diligence, the latter was inspired to start compiling recyclables in her own home. She would also help to retrieve any recyclables left on the doorstep of neighbouring units and deposit them at Yet May’s storage area. Sok Ten acknowledged that she felt obligated to lend Yet May a helping hand, as she found no reason not to when the latter is able to set aside her fatigue and persist in her recycling efforts. However, she admitted that although she does not mind lifting heavy loads, she has yet to overcome her aversion to getting her hands dirty. Hence, she remains hesitant in helping Yet May in sorting recyclables. Nevertheless, she looks up to Yet May’s tenacity and determination. She believes that without firm conviction and genuine enthusiasm, one would find it difficult to persevere and reap the rewards of recycling. More than a decade on, Yet May’s back is not as straight anymore, nor are her limbs as nimble as before, prompting friends and family who are concerned for her well-being to advise her to work less and rest more instead. Nevertheless, she reiterated, “If it were indeed an insufferable chore, I would have called it quits long ago. It brings me joy and keeps me active. Otherwise, I would be bored staying cooped up at home. Physical activity is beneficial to my health.” The signs of her advancing years are showing, but so is the wisdom she has gained. Age is no barrier to her dedication to serving others and her zest for life. Yet May would not allow any recyclable items go to waste, even if they are soaked through by the rain. [Photograph by Yong Siew Lee]