The world of Tzu Chi (Vol.111)

TZU CHI 111 19 Standing together in solidarity Translated by Goh Hwe Yong Photograph courtesy of Wong Chee Wan crumble under the pressure of caring for her husband, who was subjected to dialysis treatment three days a week. Ah Kuan not only had to fetch him to his dialysis sessions at the hospital, but also attend to his daily needs. The overwhelming stress eventually took a toll onAh Kuan. Mee Hong sympathized with Ah Kuan’s ordeal and encouraged the latter to join her in recycling work as a respite from her daily routine. At the same time, Mee Hong was aware that Ah Kuan would feel obligated to stay at home to care for her husband and suggested that the latter enlist her daughter’s help to take over care-giving duties while Ah Kuan volunteers at the recycling centre early in the morning. Ah Kuan would then return home later in the morning to resume caring for her husband so that her children could leave for work. Ah Kuan would arrive at the recycling centre at dawn and proceed to sort recyclables, guided by headlights of the volunteers’ cars as the recycling centre was not equipped with electricity supply back then. Ah Kuan and the volunteers would be drenched in sweat two hours later, but relished the work. “The labour is tiring, but it brings me joy as it is a fruitful learning experience. Also, the volunteers are caring towards each other. I enjoy participating in recycling work,” said Ah Kuan. Ah Kuan’s daughter, Wong Chee Wan’s curiosity was piqued upon noticing that her mother has become more jovial since participating in recycling work. She decided to drop by the recycling centre on a Saturday morning to explore for herself its mysterious appeal that had attracted her mother to serve on its grounds. Upon setting foot in the recycling centre, Chee Wan discovered not only a The mother-daughter pair of Kok Ah Kuan and Wong Chee Wan have been long-time beneficiaries of Mee Hong’s kindness, but committing to Tzu Chi as volunteers has exposed them to the less fortunate plight of the needy that they serve – a reminder of the merits of giving over receiving. Inspiring Stories from a Friendly Neighbourhood