The world of Tzu Chi Jan-Feb 2022 (Vol.139)

2022 • 02 36 N avamani a/p Manickam is a Tzu Chi care recipient. A single parent, she has to take full responsibility of providing for the needs of her son who was born with Down’s syndrome. During their monthly visits to Navamani in 2017, Lee Yoke Chun and other volunteers noticed that the middle-aged lady seemed to have a perpetual frown, and she was generally quiet. The volunteers assumed she was under tremendous stress as taking care of her son was not easy. It was only later that they realized she was squinting because of her poor vision. Yoke Chun prompted her to have a vision check at the government hospital where she had her diabetes follow-up treatment. It was later confirmed that she would need a cataract operation. Navamani was scheduled for a cataract removal surgery in 2020, but it was delayed due to the pandemic. Meanwhile, her vision was deteriorating fast; she could not even see the volunteers clearly even though they were sitting right in front of her. Making phone calls became challenging, and she started to have severe headaches and nausea. Her worsening vision would mean it would become increasingly difficult for her to take care of her son. Anxiety mounted as she waited and waited to get her cataract removed. Against that bleak backdrop, light seemed so distant. Yoke Chun was very concerned for Navamani and was on the lookout for any opportunities for Navamani to get her eye surgery done as soon as possible. “When I learnt that VISTA was collaborating with Tzu Chi to provide free cataract surgeries for Tzu Chi care recipients, I immediately applied on Navamani’s behalf, and she was fortunate to be given a date.” In her journey prior and after the surgery, Navamani was never alone. Yoke Chun accompanied her for her eye examination, surgery and follow-up visits. Navamani is grateful for the assistance rendered to her. She treats Yoke Chun like a family member and they have so much to talk about. Genuine compassion knows no limits for what matters is the transformation evident in the recipient. Today, Yoke Chun sees a more cheerful Navamani, who was once overwhelmed with darkness but is now overflowing with light, love and gratitude. Love made me see again “Last time, I could not see clearly what was outside my house. But now I can see clearly, even the last house at the end of the corridor...” grinned Navamani. pecial Feature By Tan Kim Hion Translated by Goh Hwe Yong Photo courtesy of Lee Yoke Chun