The world of Tzu Chi Nov-Dec 2022 (Vol.144)

2022 • 12 16 pecial Feature By Kong Siew Yen Translated by Lee You Zhuan Photo by Ch’ng Kooi Tick A mother’s love flows like water Despite feeling exhausted from daily chores and taking care of her bedridden mother and seven children, Sitrah believes that education is key to helping her children distinguish right from wrong and break free from poverty. O n a wet afternoon, Tzu Chi volunteers hastened through the drizzle towards a flat in Puchong with two bags of daily necessities. It was the monthly Charity Day, and the family of care recipient, Sitrah a/p Annapan, gave the volunteers a warm welcome to their home. Sitrah lives with her husband, seven children aged 8 to 16, and her bedridden mother. There were two desks on the left side of the living room, a sick bed at a corner, and stacks of books here and there. As the two rooms were filled with clothing, cooking utensils and stuff from their previous businesses, the living room became the only space left for the family to spend their days at, and sleep in at night. Sitrah used to sell clothes around the flat premises, and had also worked as a food hawker. In 2019, she suffered from a hernia, and her health deteriorated post the surgery. Coupled with the need to take care of her