The world of Tzu Chi February 2020 (Vol.119)

2020 • 02 22 “W e’re here to visit you again, Aunty Tuan! Do you remember us?” the volunteers chorused upon entering the female patients’ ward in the Sungai Buloh Leprosy Settlement. “Of course I remember you. I recognize your navy- and-white uniforms. You’re Tzu Chi volunteers,” replied 80-year-old Chua Gim Tuan, waving her hand that ends in a stub where her fingers used to be. “You think my memory is fading with age? Not so fast,” she quipped wryly, eliciting laughter from the volunteers who were awed by her sharp mind and quick reflexes, devoid of any signs of ageing. Gim Tuan looks forward to the times when the volunteers come to visit, giving her the opportunity to share her stories with A heart-warming trip down memory lane By Tan Kim Hion Translated by Lee Hui Yieng Photograph by Lee Mun Keat Chua Gim Tuan no longer resides in the wooden chalet where she used to receive visits from Tzu Chi volunteers, yet she holds dear memories of the volunteers’ kindness and compassion in seeing her through the ravages of leprosy and the demise of her husband. eature