The World Of Tzu Chi March 2024 (Vol.149)

25 TZU CHI 149 merry and joyous!” Madam Ong and her grandson have been each other’s support after the successive losses of her husband, daughter-in-law, and eldest son due to illness. To sustain their livelihood and ensure her grandson’s education, she tirelessly juggled two jobs, caring for a nonagenarian by day and working at a restaurant by night. Moved by her plight, volunteers facilitated educational assistance for her grandson through Tzu Chi, and accompanied her to apply for social welfare benefits. However, fate dealt another blow last October when she suffered a fractured pelvis from a fall and urgently required an RM8,000 surgery. In her hour of need, Tzu Chi extended its helping hand once more. At the event, Madam Ong was deeply inspired listening to other care recipients’ sharing. Reflecting on life’s ups and downs, she realised that everyone carries their own burdens. She confessed, “When I fell, I lamented about my mishap. But now, I feel grateful. Worrying will not alter what is destined to happen. Instead of dwelling on concerns, I will focus on living the life I want.” With a mindset shift, she no longer feels miserable. Instead, she is grateful to have the company of the volunteers and a sensible grandson. She said, “As I light the lamp to pray, I sought a quick recovery because I want to be a volunteer and help those in need alongside Tzu Chi volunteers. I tell myself to ‘keep a kind heart, look forward, and leave the past behind’.” In her twilight years, Madam Ong aspires to do what she desires, that is, to continue collecting donations, engage in recycling activities, attend volunteer training, and more. With a smile, she declared, “There is still so much to do!” A volunteer, dressed as the God of Fortune, delivered blessings and joy to the care recipients. [Photo by Ivan Ooi] MadamOng joined the event accompanied by her grandson. She exclaimed, “Today marks my first time dining around a big round table with people from different families. It feels like family members have converged from various places to share a reunion meal. The God of Fortune also turned up, handing out red packets and mandarin oranges. It is so