The world of Tzu Chi March-April 2022 (Vol.140)

TZU CHI 140 35 eople By Yap Chai Hoon Translated by Lim Wen-Xin Photo by Cheong Chi Lup I am grateful to have met Tzu Chi. There is always someone who will listen and accept my sharing regardless of the problems I faced. They taught me that there are options in life, and we could walk a different path. A Different Path of Life “A re you a vegetarian?” “I have vegetarian meals twice a month.” “Twice a month? That is great too!” At the Tzu Chi recycling centre in Section 17, Petaling Jaya, volunteer Chan Lian See would always lovingly greet the public who sent recyclables over, and promote vegetarianism. No matter what their response was, she would first compliment them before recommending the vegetarian bento. “There is brown rice, vegetables and salad. Which do you prefer?” The public would select a bento, and under her guidance, pick up a Vegetarian Challenge card and leave happily. Having witnessed her amiable attitude, it was impossible to imagine how distant and cold she used to be. Putting up an emotional wall When her daughter Zoey was one, Lian See realized that the little one rarely made eye contact with the family; she would ignore them and preferred to be alone. The doctor later confirmed that Zoey was autistic. This left Lian See feeling lost, and engulfed in helplessness and guilt. She blamed herself, “Why did the kid come to me? Did I eat the wrong thing when I was pregnant? Did I do something wrong?” Back then, people did not know much about children with different needs. Thus, Lian See not only had to shoulder the responsibility of caring for Zoey, but also bear all the strange looks. She kept Zoey by her side all the time, as she was the only one who could calm her down whenever she was triggered. Once, a relative told Lian See, “Your child is sick. Take her to the doctor. Why is she like this? We do not have anyone like this in our family.” She instantly broke into Chan Lian See seizes every opportunity to promote vegetarianism.