The world of Tzu Chi September 2023 (Vol.147)

TZU CHI 147 05 A great vow fuelled by love By Tan Kim Hion Translated by Lee Hung Jiew Photos by Lee Siew Kuan Everyone has their own definition of happiness. For Siew Ket Wey, a middle-aged volunteer, happiness is walking the Bodhisattva Path alongside his wife and engaging in recycling activities with his youngest son. S iew Ket Wey, a father of two, enjoys a harmonious family life with three generations living under one roof. Ket Wey and his wife, Yap Li Shya, both had steady jobs with a bank. However, concealed beneath the facade of this stable life, were worries over the future of their youngest son, Zheng Xuan. They did not notice anything amiss with Zheng Xuan until he entered kindergarten. Even upon reaching four, he could only speak individual words and not form complete sentences. Their concern deepened when they observed Zheng Xuan being quiet most of the time and did not mingle with other children. This led them to seek medical consultation. Following some assessments, their concerns were confirmed – Zheng Xuan was identified as a child with special needs and learning disability. His grasp of numbers and time was absent, and his intellectual capacity mirrored that of a toddler. “The news was a jolt of lightning and we could not accept it. Neither of our families had previous record of a special needs child. ‘Why me? How could this happen to me?’” Ket Wey wondered and wept in secret. Li Shya, too, wrestled with self-blame, suspecting that allergy medication taken during pregnancy might have affected Zheng Xuan. She also recalled an occasion where Zheng Xuan had fits and fever, and wondered if it was her inadequate care then which contributed to his condition. Although the doctors were unable to find the cause, she was constantly haunted by a sense of guilt. From supportive presence to committed volunteers For Zheng Xuan, Ket Wey’s family weekends and holidays turned from typical shopping and food outings to more time in nature’s embrace, to seek healing energies. As Zheng Xuan grew up, he revealed a unique trait amidst their nature outings. He liked to pick up litter from the ground and throw them into the bins, and he would express dismay at the thoughtless littering, especially in the beautiful nature. Seeing such inclination, Ket Wey and his wife began to seek out avenues for him in environmental protection. During a breakfast outing in 2018, the couple came across a Tzu Chi recycling centre near their home. They promptly took Zheng Xuan to explore this newfound haven of recycling. The visit proved to be transformative, not just for Zheng Xuan but also the parents. At the recycling centre, Zheng Xuan found his passion and a community that embraced him unconditionally. He received patient guidance about the intricacies of sorting recyclables, and generous praises and encouragements, each time in the slightest improvements in his skills. All these boosted his confidence and sense of security. Gradually, recycling became his priority.