The World Of Tzu Chi(Vol.112)

2019 • 07 28 pecial Feature testify that her time spent in a wheelchair had overwhelmed her with the fear of being rendered invalid in old age, completely dependent on others for sustenance. She shuddered at the prospect of a life deprived of meaning and dignity. “I’m grateful to be able to move around independently and participate in recycling work. I must cherish every opportunity and not let even a second go to waste. Time spent idle is a waste of life!” enthused Grandma Say, who finds fulfillment in contributing to environmental conservation efforts instead of indulging in leisurely pleasures. Age is catching up on Grandma Say; walking long distances and scaling the stairs would leave her short of breath, while her memory is gradually declining. Sometimes, she would be so absorbed in her recycling tasks that she would only notice sensations of hunger when lethargy sets in. Therefore, she records her day- to-day activities in a diary in brief statements to keep track of her daily routine. Her mind would only settle at ease upon registering one particular entry that matters most to her: 7.45 am – Leaving for recycling work downstairs. Her disciplined way of life is driven by a sole purpose: to ensure that she stays fit for recycling work for as long as she possibly could. Stirring ripples of change “E xcuse me, do you mind rinsing these condiment bottles clean before bringing them over next time? Thank you!” “I’m sorry, these tattered shoes cannot be recycled. Please dispose of them into the garbage bin. Thank you!” YongKanLen, 73, doles out these reminders daily – with a friendly smile, no less – to fellow residents who surrender their recyclables to her for collection. Her face would light up with a glow of satisfaction at the sight of bundles upon bundles of collected recyclables lining her doorway and the corridor outside. Before this, she had never expected a makeshift “mini recycling point” to flourish right at her doorstep. Three’s company Kan Len, Grandma Say and Choy Len, who reside in the same block of flats, used to be complete strangers. It was their shared passion for Translated by Fu Jia Lik recycling work that brought them together. They have remained the closest of friends since. The trio have a combined age of over 200 years between them, yet show nary a sign of slowing down.Whenever theymeet, conversation wouldflowfreely,with topics invariablyrevolving around their common interest – recycling. Kan Len’s curiosity towards recycling work was stirred more than a decade ago, when she was still staying in a wooden house in Pudu. Back then, she had read in the newspaper about the environmental conservation efforts carried out by Tzu Chi volunteers. She admired the volunteers’ work and was eager to join their ranks, but found no means of reaching out to Tzu Chi. Her long-awaited opportunity finally presented itself one day as she was placing a takeaway order at a food-stall. She was overjoyed when she overheard the stall owners, who turned out to be Tzu Chi volunteers, mentioning Tzu