The world of Tzu Chi (Vol.110)

TZU CHI 110 11 him to maintain a positive outlook and discover the innate good in people. Making wishes come true Teik Hong is contented to have all of his wishes fulfilled. The volunteers went to great lengths to grant him his wish of attending the triple celebration of Buddha’s Day, Mother’s Day and Global Tzu Chi’s Day in his community with his mother. This year, they again pulled out all the stops to fulfil his second wish of participating in the Year-end Blessing Ceremony, arranging for transportation and assigning TIMA doctors to supervise him closely. It was a memorable occasion for Teik Hong and his mother, as they were finally offered the long-awaited opportunity to set foot in the KL Tzu-Chi Jing Si Hall. Even more memorable still, Teik Hong was invited onstage to share his story before a 1,000-strong audience. “It was an emotional moment for me when the CEO of Tzu Chi KL & Selangor, Echo Chien, presented me with a volunteer uniform and welcomed me to the Tzu Chi family,” he enthused, before adding that he was surprised by the encouraging response from the audience. The feedback from netizens towards a video clip highlighting his story, produced by the Multimedia Department of Tzu Chi KL & Selangor, was equally effusive, garnering over 200,000 views and 4,500 shares online, as well as a stream of uplifting comments from well- wishers. Teik Hong has a habit of setting his clock half an hour ahead, for no other reason than his belief that time should be treasured as a valuable asset in life. Setting his clock ahead allows him ample time to carry out his daily activities and make full use of every minute. “Time is very precious to me, and so is life. I firmly believe in not wasting time and never giving up on life. Tomorrow will always be a better day. There is light waiting at the end of the tunnel. As long as we have faith in ourselves, there is hope for recovery, and illnesses are nothing to be fearful of,” he asserted. Even after spending the past 27 years bedridden, Teik Hong remains ever hopeful, and expressed his wish for the year ahead for his loved ones to be blessed with lasting health and happiness. Watch related video at: Leong Teik Hong has to rely on the support of his parents to alight from his bed. [Photograph by Leong Chian Yee] Touching Lives with Unconditional Love