The world of Tzu Chi (Vol.110)

TZU CHI 110 17 Watch related videos at: medical attention it commanded, Yoke Sim decided to give up furthering her studies and became actively involved in various activities organized by the disabled community, besides contributing articles to several publications to earn a small remuneration. In 2014, Yoke Sim successfully landed a job in the corporate sector through a career fair that catered to the disabled. Her venture into the working world was an immense relief to her mother, who never expected her daughter to be gainfully employed, let alone be able to support the family’s livelihood. Yoke Sim values her job as it gives her the opportunity to broaden her horizons and expand her social circle. She works with fellow disabled employees in her company and has picked up basic sign language from her hearing- and speech-impaired colleagues. She also participates in her company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, such as distributingmeals to the homeless. “I refuse to let my disability limit my potential. I am equally capable of contributing to society,” she stressed. Last November, Yoke Sim’s mother accidentally slipped and fell as she was pushing Yoke Sim’s wheelchair outdoors to be cleaned. She fractured her thigh bone and was ordered by the doctor to recuperate at home for three months. For the time being, Yoke Sim’s mother was unable to walk, like her daughter. Yoke Sim’s daily routine was disrupted as her mother was no longer able to fetch her to work or tend to her. Fortunately, Yoke Sim’s employer sympathized with her situation and allowed her to work from home until her mother recovered. This incident led to Tzu Chi volunteers stepping in to help equip Yoke Sim’s home with disabled-friendly amenities. “My mother will eventually grow old and weak, while I am all grown up and have grown in size. I cannot bear to add to my mother’s burden,” Yoke Sim said wistfully. Yoke Sim is now working hard to fulfil her wish to travel with her mother before she becomes too weak to walk. Her wish represents a token of gratitude to her mother, for she is aware that she would not have come this far in life if it were not for her mother’s unconditional love. Thanks to her mother’s wise counsel, Yoke Sim firmly believes in pursuing the silver lining in life, and lives by her motto: “Keep smiling, and good luck will follow.” Tzu Chi volunteers assisted Lim Yoke Sim and her mother to improve accessibility at home by creating a disabled-friendly living space, enabling Yoke Sim to easily navigate her way around the kitchen. [Photograph by Yong Mun Fei] Touching Lives with Unconditional Love