The world of Tzu Chi April 2020 (Vol.121)

44 2020 • 04 ouching Life Story her even more convinced that none of her kin were ever sincerely concerned about her. The volunteers were gradually able to discern Tholasiamah’s daily needs through their monthly visits. Besides procuring a second- hand television set, a cabinet, mattress, electric fan and bedsheets from recycling centres for Tholasiamah, the volunteers would deliver meals to her house upon learning that her mobility was restricted by the pain in her legs. Tholasiamah was touched by the volunteers’ thoughtful gestures. “The volunteers are not related tome in any way, but I dread to think of life without them. I might not have been able to thrive until now!” confided Tholasiamah. The volunteers have become Tholasiamah’s reliable companions in her twilight years. In recent years, Tholasiamah’s legs have been in so much pain that she is no longer able to stand, much less leave her house. Now, she either sits on the floor or moves about by dragging herself along or crawling on the ground. Despite being confined to her home, she has been more generous with her smiles and more restrained with her complaints. The volunteers enlightened her on the concept of karmic cause and effect in an effort to broaden her perspective and opened her eyes to the plight of those in even more dire straits, enabling her to see past her own perceived suffering and liberate herself from bitter thoughts. Moreover, the volunteers would facilitate opportunities for Tholasiamah’s daughter to fulfil her filial obligations. For instance, whenever Tholasiamah sought the volunteers’help to either fetch her to her daughter’s house for favours or driveher aroundonher groceryshopping trips, the volunteers would gently remind Tholasiamah to contact and convey her needs to her daughter, giving the latter a chance to extend assistance or offer rides to her mother. Tholasiamah’s daughter remains reserved towards her mother and hesitates to pay her visits, but at least both mother and daughter are currently keeping in touch and meet occasionally. Tholasiamah’s daughter has also become more willing to lend her mother a helping hand. Over time, Tholasiamah has gradually lightened up, chatting amiably with the volunteers and breaking into joyous smiles instead of finding fault with her children. She also delighted the volunteers with her infectious sense of humour, cracking jokes at her own expense that had everyone in stitches. The house would be filled with cheerful banter between Tholasiamah and the volunteers, exuding a warm, cordial current that lingered in the air. Passing on the love Despite living in penury and illness, Tholasiamah persists in maintaining the cleanliness of her living quarters. The volunteers commended her determination in managing the household chores herself to keep her home neat Tholasiamah a/p Sarady proves that impaired mobility is no obstacle to keeping her home clean and organized.