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

By Loh Siew Chien Translated by Lee Shee Yik Photographs by Hong Geok Hui ouching Life Story “My world is only as wide as my field of vision. Unlike other teenagers, my life is confined to my home; I either lie on my bed or move across the space in a wheelchair. I could never fathom the distinction between a dull life and one filled with wonder, because I’ve never explored the world beyond my reach.” – Sam Joon Wai “My world fell apart following the accident. Since then, life went on as unrelentingly as a spinning top. I assuaged my guilt by showering as much love as possible on him. He’s now 14 years old, but he’s not heavy – because he’s my son.” – Yap Ling Sien FindingMeaning in Life E very time the volunteers paid a visit to Sam Joon Wai’s home in Linggi, Negeri Sembilan, Joon Wai’s mother, Yap Ling Sien, is invariably seen busily attending to her son, either feeding him, cleaning after him, wiping him down, clearing his phlegm, massaging him, or washing his phlegm collection bottle. Most of Ling Sien’s daily routine revolves around caring for Joon Wai, extending late into the night and depriving her of uninterrupted sleep as she needs to stay attentive to Joon Wai’s needs around the clock. Joon Wai, 14, is paralysed from the neck down and moves about in a wheelchair. He is bedridden and relies on breathing equipment to survive. Ling Sien has dedicated herself to Joon Wai’s care since he was two years old. He takes at least an hour to finish his meals, chewing his food slowly and thoroughly to prevent choking. “Joon Wai used to be fed on a diet of liquid food as he could neither chew nor swallow. He eventually learnt to feed himself after much guidance. Even then, it took him two hours to finish a single meal. He nearly drove me up the wall,” Ling Sien recollected, laughing. Ling Sien has to constantly monitor Joon 2020 • 02 42