The world of Tzu Chi Nov-Dec 2021 (Vol.138)

pecial Feature Translated by Lee You Zhuan A portrait that draws the family together Money and material resources are tangible, whereas care and love are invisible but heartfelt. While caring for families in need of aid, I got to witness one family grow in their bonding; this is an unexpected reward from volunteering in the telephone interviews. – Chong Mui Ling K indness knows no boundaries. “Sister, I am very grateful for your help and for Tzu Chi’s aid. In addition to helping our family tide over the difficulties, you have also helped us take a family portrait. I could definitely feel closer to my family.” The words of heartfelt joy and gratitude from Alina (pseudonym) resonated in the heart of Chong Mui Ling, a volunteer with Tzu Chi. Alina is a career woman who lives with her extended family of three generations in the same house. On normal days, her mother-in-law helped out with the house chores. Unfortunately, during the pandemic, Alina and her husband, as well as her brother- and sister-in-law, were temporarily suspended fromwork. To compound matters, their whole family was infected with Covid-19, leaving her mother-in-law in serious condition. As such, Alina had to take on the responsibility of taking care of the family and this exerted additional pressure on her. When Mui Ling asked Alina to provide a family portrait as part of the aid application procedures, it took quite a while for her to do it. In the photo, Alina’s parents-in-law looked rather haggard against a merry background of springtime couplets. “I thought it was an old photo taken during Chinese New Year. But Alina said that it was taken on the same day. The family helped each other to pose for the picture. I accepted the picture and did not ask further,” Mui Ling said. One day, Mui Ling received a call from Alina to thank her. Alina enlightened her about the situation at home. As there were many members in the household and everyone had been very busy, it was not possible to gather everyone at the same time even during festive occasions. “In addition, my husband had some misunderstandings with my mother-in-law; they have not spoken to each other for many years. However, in order to take this family portrait, I feel that the family could accommodate each other and work together. I could feel that our family connected with each other and felt united once again. Sister, I am really grateful to you, this is a gift for our family!” As Alina shared more of the situation at home, Mui Ling felt connected as she had only been in touch with Alina over the phone and had not met her in person. “She must have felt my sincerity and care for her. Speaking to her on the phone, I kept reminding myself that I was not investigating the case, but I just wanted to make sure the aid reached the right people in need. I felt a sense of mission to help others.” 2021 • 12 10