The world of Tzu Chi August 2020 (Vol.125)

2020 • 08 42 Seeing the world from a different perspective Motivated by a more positive outlook on life, Leong Meng began to work hard on his daily physiotherapy exercises to improve his mobility and prevent his limbs from stiffening. The volunteers visited him regularly to check on his progress and offer him encouragement. The metal pieces implanted in his leg made it difficult for him to move freely, but he was not in the least discouraged. His only wish is to be able to stand on his own feet so that he could take care of himself. The volunteers bore witness to his progress from being bedridden to walking with the aid of a walker, being able to stand up using a crutch and eventually becoming less dependent on walking aids. His leg became stronger. In mid- 2019, he could finally walk out of the house with a crutch. He could even tend to the yard as a form of physiotherapy. Although he could not squat, the improvement made thus far was promising and encouraging. Everyone was happy for him. When Ai Choon and Quee Lan came to visit on December 1, 2019, they were delighted to see Leong Meng taking wobbly steps without the crutch. Quee Lan seized the opportunity to invite him to help out at the recycling centre, not only as a physiotherapy exercise but also for a good cause. He accepted the invitation without hesitation. “Tzu Chi has helped us for so long. It is only right for us to repay their kindness with action. Moreover, recycling is an important part of environmental protection,” he said. Leong Meng was shocked to see the huge amount of recyclables accumulated at the centre before the Chinese New Year season. He told the volunteers that he would continue to help out at the centre because he enjoyed staying outdoors and chatting with the volunteers. Leong Meng came to the recycling station regularly to help. His positive attitude towards life and eagerness in giving back to society impressed volunteer Koh Geok Ping, who recalled, “I used to visit them in the early days, when both Leong Meng and his mother were in immense physical and mental pain. They have changed so much for the better. Their willingness to give back to society is a testament to the power of a positive mindset to turn lives around!” Both Leong Meng and his mother slowly understood the concept of cause and effect in Dharma teachings. “One shall accept and deal with difficult circumstances with equanimity. I’ll take care of myself and never burden my mother again. Besides, there are many blind or disabled people in the world who could survive on their own. I should work harder to carry on with my life!” he declared. He shared happily that the injury had helped him to quit smoking and drinking, while the daily ritual of prostrating in reverence to the Buddha served as a rehabilitative exercise. With a transformed mindset, he is now able to regard imperfections in life in a more positive way. A hopeful future Biau Tua happily shared with other volunteers that Geok Ping had recently secured a job for her son. Leong Meng is still unable to stand or sit for long, but Biau Tua was pleased and grateful that there are organizations out there that are willing to provide job opportunities to disabled people, which seemed to imply that her son might be able to become independent in the foreseeable future. ouching Life Story