The world of Tzu Chi May-June 2022 (Vol.141)

TZU CHI 141 37 replied, “Dad had passed away…” It was the one text message that Kim Tho had never wanted to see in her lifetime. She pulled over by the roadside and broke down, trembling, and shouting, “How could you leave just like that? We still have so many things left to do…” She only brought herself to accept the reality when she arrived at the scene in Pick Si’s company, and saw Choong Lin’s body under the white sheet. During the wake and funeral, Tzu Chi volunteers stayed by Kim Tho’s side, caring for her, helping to set up the funeral altar, and chanting the Buddha’s name for the deceased. They were KimTho’s pillars of support in those time of emptiness and helplessness. Later, CEO of Tzu Chi KL & Selangor, Echo Chien, called from Taiwan to convey condolences and well wishes from the Dharma Masters of the Jing Si Abode. This helped to gradually soothe and comfort Kim Tho, allowing her to take steady steps out from the dark depths of grief. “Choong Lin left due to an acute myocardial infarction. He is testimony to the fact that walking the Tzu Chi path has not been in vain. It must be the good blessings he sowed from his good deeds, for at least he was not tortured by any long and painful disease.” Looking back at Choong Lin’s 13-year journey with Tzu Chi, Kim Tho feels proud over how he had been so diligently giving with all his life. “At first, I was reluctant and unable to accept it. But once I shifted my perspective to see instead how he had written a beautiful story with his life, and that he passed away with good karma and paved the way for further affinity to walk the Bodhisattva Path, I felt I could let him go along with my full blessings.” Married for 30 years, the husband-and- wife duo had walked earnestly together on the Tzu Chi path. Kim Tho has no regrets. She said, “I am grateful that we get to live happily as a family in these few years. Choong Lin was always smiling especially more since my eldest daughter returned home. These beautiful memories will live forever in our hearts.” Our father’s spirit lives on On January 8, Tzu Chi volunteers gathered at the Nirvana Centre Kuala Lumpur to chant for Choong Lin, in remembrance of his contributions in Tzu Chi. Following that, his children gave a moving eulogy and tribute to their father figure. Choong Lin’s eldest son, Jason, described his father as a hero.Although they had a strained relationship when Jason was young, they had grown much closer in recent times. He regrets losing this relationship just as it was getting better. He said, “I feel that we were too slow…,” breaking into tears before he could finish, while his mother hugged and comforted him. After composing himself, he described his father not only as a caring and thoughtful figure, but also one who embodied and displayed gratitude, respect and love—a role model he is proud to have. He wished for his father to be at peace, and he will lead his siblings in taking care of their mother and family. Eldest daughter, Joey, now a working adult, had been living away from home since Form 1 after she was enrolled into a boarding school. It was not until two years ago, when she understood her father’s concern about her living alone, that she moved back home, allowing her to spend more time with her father. She described her father as a loyal and righteous person. He was never selfish, and always gave without seeking anything in return, all the while putting others’ needs above his. This spirit of