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

2022 • 04 38 eople “Before I met Tzu Chi, I was helpless. I was on the brink of collapse! I wanted to give up my family, leave everything behind and walk away. Fortunately, Sister Elsie reminded me to be my best. I am lucky that, in the end, I did not choose to abandon my family.” In the first year of PCBC, Lian See went to Taiwan (Tzu Chi’s birthplace) as a new volunteer. When the Dharma Masters at the Jing Si Abode learnt of her situation, they said to her gently, “Do not blame yourself. Your kid is destined to go to you. Perhaps she knew you could help her, so she came to you.” Such words of wisdom untied the knot tied up for years, and opened her heart. Lian See admitted that in the past, she used to be distant and had fewer and fewer friends. Her good friends dared not say much for fear that they would offend her. “I am thankful that I met Tzu Chi. Gradually, I became more relaxed and less spiteful. I learnt to speak without hurting others. My friends told me that I had changed a lot.” One day, her elder daughter said, “Mum, your tone of voice is not as harsh anymore.” The changes in Lian See have made their relationship more harmonious. She has stopped scolding and beating as a way of educating her children. She revealed, “There were so many canes at home. The kids would throw them away secretly. In truth, hitting the child hurts the mother too!” After returning from Taiwan, Lian See devoted herself to Tzu Chi. Seeing volunteers visiting nursing homes, taking care of the elderly and accompanying them in singing and dancing, Lian See admitted, “In the past, I did not even dare to walk in through the door. I saw the volunteers offer themselves without asking for anything in return, especially volunteer Stephanie Chew, who was very enthusiastic in leading the activities. It was eye opening for me.” Choosing the right path In the second year, Lian See assumed the role as the care team leader for the nursing home visits. She invited her friends to help out together. It was her turn to lead. Holding the elderly’s hands, singing and dancing, she discovered that it was not as tough as she had thought! When she saw that her friends dared not step in, it reminded her of her old self and realized her growth. “I have learned a lot from the volunteers. There is no need to be afraid, just do it. That is how I walked out of my comfort zone.” Lian See is currently the leader of the recycling point at Section 17, Petaling Jaya; the leader of the care team for Asrama Cahaya Rumah Wanita Cacat Infant Jesus Convent, and a volunteer who does home visits. In addition, Lian See and volunteers went to IQ70+, the Malaysian Association for the Welfare of Mentally Challenged Children, to care for the children with intellectual disabilities. There, she found many children who faced much greater challenges in life compared to Zoey. Hers were insignificant in comparison. Where possible, she brings Zoey along. What makes Zoey happy is to accompany her mother to Jing Si Hall to help out. “The first time Zoey went to Jing Si Hall, she went missing! That terrified me.” Lian See recalled, when the PCBC had their first class at the newly open Jing Si Hall, Zoey was lost in the unfamiliar environment. The session was suspended and everyone helped to search for Zoey, only to find her playing in the washroom. Once again,