The world of Tzu Chi (Vol.109)

2019 • 04 20 eature bones, while Mr Wong seemed uncomfortable in the presence of the volunteers, who were complete strangers to him. Mr Wong’s mother was diagnosed with a tumour in her body, warranting further examination in order to determine the appropriate course of treatment. However, owing to her advanced age, the doctor discouraged her from undergoing further tests as the intensity of these tests might take a significant toll on her already-deteriorating health. Mr Wong dreaded the prospect of adding to his mother’s suffering, so he decided to fetch his mother home to recuperate. Due to the demands of his job as a security guard on the graveyard shift, Mr Wong was unable to devote himself to caring for his mother full-time. Neither was he able to shoulder the costs of enlisting the services of a nursing home with his meagre income. He was referred to a relatively costly nursing home by a friend, and conveyed his request to Tzu Chi KL& Selangor, expecting unconditional assistance. A volunteer proposed more affordable nursing home alternatives that even offered to waive all costs, but were all turned down by him. For Hooi Poh, her initial encounter with him was not without conflict, as she recalled with a knowing smile. On the return journey after surveying the conditions of several nursing homes, Hooi Poh asked Mr Wong gently, “What do you think of this nursing home?” Her innocuous question was met with hostile resistance. “It is too cramped. I want better living conditions for my mother since she is getting old. Would you send your elders to a nursing home like this?” The volunteers were forgiving of Mr Wong’s defensive stance, seeing past his critical demands for their true guise as an expression of love for his mother. The volunteers later discovered that Mr Wong actually doubted their sincerity in helping him locate a suitable nursing home and providing moral support. Hooi Poh weathered the brickbats with an open heart, as she sympathized with the emotional turmoil experienced by those who seek help from Tzu Chi, each of whom are troubled by their own personal dilemmas. Ong SawTin , volunteer As volunteers, we strive to position ourselves in the care recipient’s shoes in order to better understand their needs and help them to the best of our capacity. In my opinion, the role volunteers play in society is to provide relief to those in need. When one is faced with problems, acquaintances and family members are only capable of doing so much to help. But Tzu Chi volunteers support each other as well as those in need like a family, fostering a collective resilience that brings calm and comfort to anxious souls. Mr Wong bore no ill will; he behaved the way he did because he was struggling to resolve his inner dilemma arising from his misconception of Tzu Chi’s intentions. We did our best in attending to his and his mother’s needs so as to gain their trust and convince them to accept our help. Offering due assistance with a sincere heart has changed Mr Wong’s misguided views of us.