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

TZU CHI 129 45 Amutha was fretting over the family’s plight, her friend encouraged her to use her culinary skills to provide food delivery services around the neighbourhood, which afforded her the flexibility to take care of her husband while earning an income. She continued her newfound venture until one day, she had to abandon work after getting involved in a road accident on her food delivery rounds. Fortunately for Amutha, the principal of the kindergarten where she was previously employed contacted her and expressed her hope for Amutha to return to her role at the institution. After Amutha professed her family’s current predicament, the principal was understanding and agreed to allow Amutha to take leave to tend to her husband whenever necessary, thereby enabling Amutha to restart her career as a kindergarten teacher. No trouble at all In 2013, Tzu Chi volunteers began visiting Amutha’s home following a referral from the hospital. Besides granting subsidies for medical and transportation expenses, the volunteers also paid monthly visits to the family in the hope of offering comfort and moral support. The volunteers’ persistent support and company was a timely relief to the family’s hardship, leaving a significant impact on Amutha’s life. “The volunteers have helped me a lot. For instance, one of the volunteer doctors was constantly on the alert; he was attentive to my husband and promptly responded whenever he needed medication or when his wounds had to be cleaned. He even taught my son how to clean his father’s wounds. Although my husband’s monthly medical appointments me by my name. He called me ‘Sayang’,” recalled Amutha with a smile. Amutha’s life was a bed of roses in the tender care of her husband. However, her days of married bliss ended when Vijaya, then in his early forties, suffered from diabetes and various other complications, such as kidney failure, festering wounds on his legs and myocardial infarction (inadequate supply of blood to the heart due to artery blockage). He had even developed a brain tumour. The couple originally ran a food-stall selling Indian cuisine, but had to cease operations following Vijaya’s deteriorating health. Vijaya subsequently took on a stint as a taxi driver, while Amutha worked as a teacher at a nearby kindergarten. The reduced income plunged the family into hardship, compounded by the financial brunt of Vijaya’s medical costs – to the extent that their house had to be auctioned, Amutha revealed. Vijaya’s condition worsened over time. He was prone to dizzy spells following prolonged bouts of coughing and was advised by the doctor to stop working. Amutha was compelled to stop work to care for her ill husband. Vijaya felt bad for burdeningAmutha, yet he was helpless and incapable of offering any consolation to his wife, except encouraged her to face adversity with courage. “I feel sad for being unable to help you anymore – now I have even added to your troubles instead. After my departure, you have to learn to be strong and be independent in making decisions. Learn to stand on your own feet and raise the children well. Remember, I will always be here with you…” The family lost their sole source of income when Amutha left her job. Just as