The world of Tzu Chi June 2020 (Vol.123)

TZU CHI 123 37 Phong Kim Fong, 74, suffered a stroke that left her partially paralysed. She gradually regained the ability to move her left leg after undergoing rehabilitation and acupuncture treatment. Her daughter Lai Pooi Ping, who is a volunteer, was intent on connecting her to Tzu Chi and introducing her to the Dharma, but she seemed indifferent to the programmes aired on Da Ai TV. Pooi Ping subsequently brought her mother to the neighbourhood recycling centre to give her the opportunity to flex her joints through recycling work. “My mother has become more cheerful and energetic after being involved in recycling activities. Now, she is even able to walk down the stairs and collect recyclables. I’m relieved to see her progress,” Pooi Ping remarked. When Kim Fong was presented with a paper carnation and a cupcake by Pooi Ping, she embraced her daughter affectionately. The reticent mother broke into tears, yet her happiness was palpable. Pooi Ping playfully asked her mother if she loved her enough, to which Kim Fong replied “Yes!” between sobs. Similarly, Kim Fong answered in the affirmative when Pooi Ping asked her if she loved her daughter. The amusing exchange between the mother-and-daughter pair filled the air with joy. Volunteers arrived at Chan Gee Mak’s home in time to see her eldest son Ng Boon Bhoay sending her some pastries. Gee Mak was touched to receive a paper carnation personally delivered by the volunteers during the MCO. Lately, she has been spending most of her time resting at home as she was feeling unwell. She expressed her longing to meet the volunteers after not seeing them for a while. “I usually observe all of you quietly during the online study group sessions while listening to you share your insights. I’m pleasantly surprised by your visit today. I’m genuinely moved by your kind gesture!” Yeo Siok Chin, 84, beamed with joy upon receiving a carnation and a cupcake from the volunteers who visited her home. She took a whiff of the flower crafted out of paper and proclaimed, “It smells nice!” The Mother’s Day gift cheered her immensely. Siok Chin also expressed her yearning to resume her involvement in recycling work at the recycling centre. “My legs become sore from sitting around at home all day. I feel uncomfortable being unable to leave the house after waking up in the morning,” she admitted. Nevertheless, she hoped that by diligently praying for the pandemic to end soon, she would be able to return to the recycling centre before long. A mother’s tears of joy Yearning for a return to normalcy a/p Krishnan to present the flower to her and give her a loving hug. Valliamah was moved to tears by the gesture, revealing, “This is the first time I’ve received flowers in my life, especially from Tzu Chi.” She also professed that she and her husband have been committing to a vegetarian diet for nearly two months ever since the volunteers motivated her to do so in March. The volunteers applauded and encouraged her to persevere in her new way of life. A Special Take on Tradition