The world of Tzu Chi (Vol.106)
eature Seize every second in my 100 years of age People from our generation feel that retirement means enjoying a good and comfortable life, but it also comes with a sense of inferiority, feeling that we are of no use anymore... After all, the bodily functions will certainly degenerate. Before losing them, I want to make every second of my life worthwhile, so that I will have no regrets. Narrated by Cai Kuan Compiled by Ye You Hua Translated by Lee Hung Jiew Photograph by Huang Xiao Zhe A t the age of 34, my husband died of illness. With the salary as a midwife, I singlehandedly raised my four children. In Taiwan, between the period under Japanese rule to early 1970s, babies were delivered by midwives, and doctors were summoned only for emergency cases. As medical care in the countryside was underdeveloped, childbirth was actually quite dangerous. As long as someone called, even in the middle of the night, or during typhoon or flood, I had to go. Later on, the government started promoting family planning, and we, midwives, took up the responsibility to conduct contraceptive education. People always called us “Sensei”. The designated retirement age at public health clinic was 60, but we may choose to start our own business after that. My children, having watched me worked so hard since they were young, did not want me to continue with such toilsome life. They requested me to retire and enjoy life instead, since they had all grown up with their own families. Sometimes when someone called, they would answer the door saying, “My mother has gone out!” although I was on the upper floor. They rejected cases behind my back. As time passed, no one came looking for my service anymore. • 1919: Born in Ershui, Changhua, period under Japanese rule. • 1939: At the age of 20, aspired to be a midwife. Enrolled into midwifery training and qualified as one a year later. Then, married into a big family. • 1953: At the age of 34, started working at Yuanlin Public Health Clinic. Three months later, husband passed away and began to raise her kids singlehandedly. Helped to deliver over 2,000 newborns during her 26 years of service. Began to travel around the world for ten years since the age of 61. • 1989: At the age of 68, learnt about Tzu Chi. Certified as a Tzu Chi Commissioner at 70. The eldest Tzu Chi Commissioner in Changhua area; will turn 100 in July this year. Profile 2019 • 01 08
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