The world of Tzu Chi (Vol.110)

TZU CHI 110 13 has yet to claim me. I believe that the powers above have entrusted me with a mission in life. Hence, I have resolved to greet everyone I meet with a smile and maintain a positive outlook on life. To be able to wake up to a new day everyday is a miracle in itself,” she proclaimed confidently. Redefining beauty When Yoke Sim was younger, she came across an article on a beauty pageant for wheelchair-bound individuals and aspired to participate in a similar contest when she was of eligible age. Her childhood dream was finally realized when she was nominated by the Beautiful Gate Foundation to travel to Taiwan in 2018 for a regional-level beauty pageant tailored to individuals with spinal cord injuries. “I am like a sunflower that strives to bloom towards the sun and keep my chin up even in harsh weather conditions. Come rain or shine, I am determined to live life to the fullest. My mother is like the sun, caring for me in every way and standing by me even in the darkest of times. I wouldn’t be who I am today without my mother’s love,” proclaimed Yoke Sim, in a heartfelt declaration of love for her mother during the beauty pageant, which was greeted with fervent applause from the audience. Although she did not win the coveted beauty queen title, she had proved that she is equally entitled to pursue her own ideal of beauty like everyone else. She also hoped that her personal story would bring hope to others living with disabilities and let them know they are not alone. Taking odd glances in her stride Yoke Sim is not only blessed with charming features – big, alluring eyes; dark, lush hair; a well-defined nose and a lovely smile – but also exudes an air of maturity and composure well beyond her years. “I rely on a wheelchair for mobility, just as you rely on glasses for sight. Both are merely assistive tools. I am no different from anyone else,” surmised Yoke Sim confidently. It has been five years since she was first employed. She has indeed come a long way since that fateful night when her legs suddenly gave way as she attempted in vain to stand up from where she was seated, and landed bottom first on the ground. Her anxious parents rushed her to the nearby clinic and she was immediately referred to a hospital for further examination. After administering a series of tests including X-rays and MRI scans, the doctor declared to her parents, “Your daughter is now paralysed and will be wheelchair-bound for the rest of her life.” Upon hearing the news, a young Yoke Sim could do nothing except vent her helplessness and anguish by hurling pillows. Her parents were upset and heartbroken, but kept their hopes up and did not give up searching for a cure for their daughter. They searched high and low for a suitable doctor and tried various forms of therapy, but Yoke Sim’s condition saw no improvement, while her family’s financial burden became even more pronounced. Life was tough for the family, as Yoke Sim’s father had been diagnosed with an eye condition that left him unable to work long before Yoke Sim was born. Hence, her mother, who works as a cook in a Japanese restaurant, has to shoulder the role of being the sole breadwinner of the family of five. Not long after Yoke Sim was discharged fromthe hospital, her parents tookher on anouting to a shopping mall to cheer her up. Yoke Sim was more than elated, as it was a rare opportunity for Touching Lives with Unconditional Love