The world of Tzu Chi December 2020(Vol.129)

44 2020 • 12 By Chan Shi Yih Translated by Choo Suet Fun Photographs by Leong Chian Yee ouching Life Story Over time, a group of volunteers found themselves inextricably bound to an Indian family under their care, despite being total strangers at first. Following the demise of Vijaya, the head of the family, the volunteers continued to offer support to his wife, Amutha, and their children, leading Amutha to proclaim, “You’re not only my friends; you’re family to me.” We Are Family “D ear, I’m home!” After the demise of her husband, Vijaya, Amutha a/p M. Subramaniam has established the habit of announcing her safe return to Vijaya’s portrait perched on the TV console upon setting foot in their home. Next, Amutha enters the prayer room and declares once again before her husband’s framed portrait, “I’m home!” Despite being separated from each other by death, the couple’s unyielding love is kept alive in Amutha’s fond memories of her late husband. She misses Vijaya dearly and still feels his presence by her side. “Whenever I do something, I would proclaim my every move to the heavens above, as I feel that my husband is still here with me…” confided Amutha, who is learning to be resilient and independent. Vijaya and Amutha were a loving couple; Vijaya was exceptionally protective of his wife and cared for her deeply. He tended to the household matters, sparing his wife from any domestic concerns. “After we were married, my husband never addressed