The world of Tzu Chi (Vol.107)

2019 • 02 12 Overcoming adversity in life, one step at a time Care recipients share their stories O n December 30, 2018, care recipient Koh SoonYee slowly limped hisway onto the stage with the support of his crutch, his wife and several volunteers, to share his story with the audience. Soon Yee is now in his 60s. He worked as a car dealer in his younger days, while his wife, an Indonesian Chinese, owned an economy rice stall. They considered themselves a middle-income household. However, Soon Yee’s plans to travel around the world in his senior years came to an unexpected halt when he suffered a stroke in 2008 that left him bedridden. “Initially, I couldn’t even prop myself up or talk, but she never left my side. I am grateful for her unwavering love.” Back then, Soon Yee’s wife devoted herself wholeheartedly to caring for her husband at the hospital, getting by with only one or two hours of sleep every night on an armchair in the ward. Yet, she never complained. The misfortune of a stroke befell Soon Yee four times over the span of a decade. In 2016, the onset of the fourth stroke resulted in kidney failure, subjecting him to dialysis treatment. His dialysis expenses were costlier than the norm, as his heart complications posed a treatment hazard that warranted close supervision by a doctor. Despite exhausting all possible means, his family was unable to settle the full sum of his medical bills, and found themselves in dire circumstances. Soon Yee lost his will to live in the face of adversity. But not all hope is lost. Tzu Chi volunteers came to Soon Yee’s aid in April 2017 upon receiving a notification from the hospital of his condition. After due assessment, Tzu Chi decided to subsidize his dialysis fees. Monthly home visits by the volunteers relieved his wife’s frustration and brought her much joy, as they offered her a listening ear and helpful advice. Soon Yee’s condition improved with the meticulous care of his wife and the support of the volunteers, who, in turn, were pleased to see his progress. They encouraged SoonYee and his wife to participate in recycling efforts. Soon Yee expressed his contentment for being able to play a part in saving the environment through recycling. Soon Yee’s transformation from a bedridden stroke patient to a living bodhisattva committed to recycling greatly moved the audience. Ultimately, the efforts of Tzu Chi volunteers have paid off favourably. Love and care make the best relief for disadvantaged individuals. Observing this ethos,Tzu Chi volunteers strive to lift care recipients from their misery by offering them kindness and material aid. In Malaysia, Tzu Chi provides regular care and aid to more than 6,000 families. The care recipients were invited to the 2018 Year-end Blessing Ceremony to bear witness to the benevolent power of love on display, having emerged stronger from weathering the trials of life. Photograph by Ch’ng Kooi Tick By Tzu Chi Documenting Team Translated by Choo Suet Fun eature