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

TZU CHI 139 39 His uneasiness and restlessness made him unhappy and in low spirits. Finding strength to keep going His predicament prompted volunteer Tay Heng Hee to specially install DaAi TV channel for him, with the hope that the teachings by Master Cheng Yen and the touching stories around the world, could help broaden his horizons and open up his heart. Moreover, he could also learn from the inspiring real-life stories featured in Da Ai drama series. Heng Hee also encouraged Ah Peng to participate in the recycling activity held every Monday, which would help exercise his body besides protecting the Earth. Finally, after much persuasion, Ah Peng began to participate in recycling activities in November 2019, albeit always late and absent at times. HengHee’swife,TanGiokKiat, remarked with a smile, “He was probably very reluctant and just dropped by when we were almost done, merely to show courtesy.” Nonetheless, the volunteers were understanding. Heng Hee said, “The main purpose of us inviting him for recycling activity was to get him out of his home for some physical exercises. It would also help brighten up his mood while mingling with others. Hence, it did not matter what time he arrived.” Things changed a few months later— Ah Peng became more active and involved in the recycling activity. He would arrive punctually at 8 o’clock in the morning. When an evening recycling point was set up around his neighbourhood in March 2021, he began to dedicate himself to recycling work twice a week. By November, he started to spare another three days weekly to do recycling at and other aspects—left me in a state of total despair. I even contemplated suicide.” Losing all hope Tortured by the illness, Ah Peng’s weight dropped from 90-plus to 70 kilogrammes. He resorted to selling his valuable belongings or borrowing money from his friends and former employer to sustain his livelihood. It was not until a few months later that the doctors finally diagnosed him with cervical spine nerve compression. However, the only way to treat the condition was through surgery, the success rate of which was only 50 per cent. As Ah Peng’s friend, who suffered from a similar condition had a failed surgery, he chose not to undergo an operation. He struggled to get himself up and seek help on crutches. On April 29, 2019, Ah Peng applied for aid at Tzu Chi Malacca, and in early May, Tzu Chi volunteers paid him a visit to further understand his situation. Recalling their first meeting, volunteer Poh Kee Sen shared, “He looked absent- minded. When we asked him questions, he either gave an irrelevant answer or was reluctant to reply. He also declined to provide a next-of-kin’s contact number. These almost halted his application for aid. Fortunately, the volunteer team empathized with his situation and commenced the provisions of subsidy and care that same month.” Through their subsequent visits and interactions, volunteers learned that Ah Peng was dazed and muddled due to the many different medications he was taking. Moreover, he was home alone with no one to talk to. He always complained, “I will be bored to death if I do not recover soon.”