The World Of Tzu Chi December 2019 (Vol.117)

2019 • 12 42 to hold Ah Ngah steady as soon as the latter emerged from her room. As the trio launched into casual, friendly banter, Hoon Cheng and Pong Tai were attentive to Ah Ngah’s needs, promptly responding to her every request. Pong Tai offered to replenish Ah Ngah’s supply of medications and enquired about her upcoming doctor’s appointment, while Hoon Cheng loosened the cap on every bottle in a newly-bought carton of mineral water, enablingAh Ngah to twist the caps open easily with her hands weakened by dialysis. Pong Tai admitted that she has much to learn from observing Hoon Cheng’s meticulous care towards Ah Ngah. In comparison, she was only able to pay the occasional visit to the latter during her spare time. “These experiences are humbling lessons in selfless service and letting go of our ego. Caring for Ah Ngah has taught me to be more prudent in dealing with others, as well as to cherish every living moment and take life in our stride,” she shared. Living in the moment As the fan whirred in the dull afternoon heat, Hoon Cheng was hard at work, scrubbing the toilet clean and tidying up Ah Ngah’s room. Ah Ngah has learnt to place her trust in Hoon Cheng, who lives a stone’s throw away and has become her first point of contact in times of need. “I’ve gone through a lot in life. Hoon Cheng restored my faith in humanity as she is always willing to help me and lends me a listening ear whenever I need someone to confide in,” revealed Ah Ngah. She is grateful for Hoon Cheng’s kindness, which proved to her that love is within reach so long as she is willing to open her heart to others. “Ah Ngah managed to scrape by on a pension, but needed help with the treatment costs. Hence, Tzu Chi had decided to subsidize her dialysis expenses. Sometimes, she would phone me to bring her dinner. I would drop by to check on her whenever I receive her call. Also, I would purchase toiletries on her behalf,” recounted Hoon Cheng. She would willingly oblige Ah Ngah’s demands as she sympathized with the plight of the latter, who lives alone after the demise of her husband earlier this year. She even assisted in arranging the funeral proceedings for Ah Ngah’s late husband. The volunteers, particularly Hoon Cheng, are worried about leaving Ah Ngah alone, leading them to the decision to persuade Ah Ngah to move into an old folks’ home. Ah Ngah relented, but as her memory deteriorated with age, she has become prone to episodes of disorientation and grew dependent on Hoon Cheng, making a call to the latter whenever she needed something. “I have to be at her beck and call at all hours of the day. She would grumble if I fail to pick up her call,” shrugged Hoon Cheng with a subdued smile. Hoon Cheng has no qualms dedicating her time to attend to Ah Ngah’s needs. The only ouching Life Story The care and company of the volunteers coaxed Chew Ah Ngah out of her shell and restored her faith in humanity, besides liberating her from the grief of losing her husband. [Photograph by Lee Wei Kean]