The world of Tzu Chi October 2020 (Vol.127)

TZU CHI 127 45 have to go through this suffering.” Two years of huge medical bills depleted Santhyee’s savings. As Subarminium’s medical condition stabilized, UniversityMalayaMedical Centre where he was treated suggested that he sought treatment at a private dialysis centre due to the limited capacity of the hospital. Santhyee recalled the traumatic times, “We were once cast out of the dialysis centre for not being able to pay the bills.” Grasping at driftwood The couple then started to apply for help from several charity organizations including Tzu Chi. In 2008, Tzu Chi adopted them as care recipients and provided subsidy for Subarminium’s medical expenses. Santhyee said, “Before we met Tzu Chi, our life was really hard. I can remember it even now.” The first volunteer to visit the couple was Tan Ee Chin. For Subarminium and Santhyee, it was like being in the vast ocean and grasping the only piece of buoyant driftwood in sight. Ee Chin, though, humbly shared that the home visits and rendering assistance were part and parcel of being a volunteer. Ee Chin’s companionship of less than three years touched them so much that Subarminium made it a point to invite him to their Deepavali gathering every year. Even with dialysis, Subarminium’s health deteriorated. Four of his toes were amputated due to foot ulceration. Sadly, he was also unable to regain vision even after several eye surgeries and so, the doctor advised him to use a blind crutch. In 2014, volunteer How Siew Heok noticed that Subarminium would fall due to his visual impairment. After signing him up for crutch training at Malaysian Association for the Blind, Subarminium learnt to navigate the stairs, identify blind brick tiles and avoid obstacles. His fluctuating blood pressure caused him to faint and fall a few times on the way to the dialysis centre. From then, Santhyee forbade him to go out alone. Like a family The illness took its toll and Subarminium became moody and grouchy, often losing his temper at Santhyee. Fortunately, she understood his suffering and never took it to heart. “The doctor warned me that he would be short-tempered due to his fluctuating blood pressure. Accepting the situation and taking care of him is my responsibility as his wife.” Seeing this, Tzu Chi volunteers reminded Subarminium time and again to be grateful to the love and support given by his faithful wife. In July 2018, Subarminium almost lost his life from severe lung infection. After being discharged, he became much gentler and more appreciative of the people around him and thankful for being alive. Volunteer Teh Soon Yoke shared happily, “Unlike before, he always says thank you to us now.” The volunteers’ companionship and his near-death experience helped Subarminium realize what was important. Gradually, he became more and more affectionate towards his wife. During the Deepavali celebration in 2019, he hugged Santhyee and thanked her. She was filled with joy at this simple gesture. Alas! During a home visit on January 17, 2020, Subarminium looked listless and quiet while Santhyee was her usual cheerful self, welcoming everybody.