Silence filled the hall when all eyes were fixed on the screens at the front. The little ones were very amazed by what the man can do – using his mouth and his single foot, he creates rich oil paintings that have received honours in national art competitions and fine art exhibitions. Not only that, he is able to feed himself, answer the phone and even mop the floor – despite his challenged body.

While their single hand was tied up, the children’s eyes were riveted to the screen which showed the story of how a man who had lost both arms, one leg, and sight to one eye bravely overcame his handicap and lived out the values of his life.

The entire class got down to work folding paper cranes for their special guests before class commence.

“Let’s string the paper cranes together.”

The Phua family were happy to receive the warm blessings and well wishes from the Children Achievement Class.

It was the first Sunday of the month again. The little ones of the Tzu Chi Children Enrichment Class were given a special task before their class commenced on the morning of 7 June 2009. Nimble fingers busy at work, the children were so occupied with folding paper cranes for a few special guests who’re coming later. Smiles lit up their faces when they saw their completed work fill a big plastic bag shortly before the class started.

After the students paid their respect to the Buddha, the video of renowned Taiwanese artist, Hsieh Kun-shan, who lost both his arms and right leg when he was electrocuted in an industrial accident, was shown to them. Silence filled the hall when all eyes were fixed on the screens at the front. The little ones were very amazed by what the man can do – using his mouth and his single foot, Hsieh creates rich oil paintings that have received honours in national art competitions and fine art exhibitions. Not only that, he is able to feed himself, answer the phone and even mop the floor – despite his challenged body. The chidlren’s faces exuded admiration for the extraordinary artist who overcame all odds with an unwavering spirit and great determination. 

Then, the children had a hands-on experience on how it was like being partially handicapped. The class’s ‘mummies’ and ‘daddies’ (volunteers in the children class) tied the right hand of every child to his/her waist with a long piece of cloth. The children were then asked to do tasks such as unbuttoning and buttoning up their shirts and taking off their socks and putting them on again with their left hands only. These tasks were completed without much difficulty. However, the kids had the real challenge of the day when they were asked to write the Chinese characters ‘感恩’ (Gratefulness) on a piece of paper with their toes.

“It was tough but fun!” This was the most common response given by the children. Many of the older children were able to ‘sketch’ the outline of the characters with their foot.  Primary 5 student, Lee Si Yun, looked at what she had “written” with a satisfactory smile. Her peer, Ong Yiyin, commented that it must be very painful for someone who had lost his arms having to write with his foot for the rest of his life. Through the activity, the children were able to experience the difficulties faced by disabled people and recognize how blessed they were to have healthy limbs.

A series of PowerPoint slides containing words of wisdom from Master Cheng Yen on Uncle Hsieh Kun-shan were shown to the class after the activity. The host highlighted some of them to the children and encouraged them to learn from the uncle who was not only an accomplished artist but also a filial son.

“Hsieh Kun-shan’s heart and mind are healthier than those of many others. Because of his optimistic view on life, he is a complete person without any disability. ”

“Filial children do not make their parents worry about them.”

“A healthy person who does not do work is as good as one without any hands.”

After a short break of 20min during which the kids enjoyed delicious vegetarian ‘tuna’ sandwiches prepared by the kitchen volunteers, Daddy Yang Bao led the class through a song and dance activity. The children and volunteers formed pairs of inner and outer circles and had great fun dancing and singing together as the heart-warming song lyrics filled the hall. It was a joyful scene to behold!

Soon, it was time to welcome the special guests – the Phua siblings who suffer from rare genetic disorder ‘Hallerverdon Spatz Syndrome’. Sitting on special prams, the brother and sister were pushed into the hall by their loving parents as the class sang the familiar Chinese tune “Mothers are the best in the world” softly. 19-year-old Kin Yong’s face lit up with a smile when he was placed in front of the class while his 15-year-old sister Zi Qi lowered her head shyly, leaning on her mother’s hands.          

All of the children gave their full attention as Uncle and Auntie Phua shared the difficult journey they had gone through: from the time the siblings were diagnosed with the rare genetic disorder till Tzu Chi helped them out by sending them for an operation in Tzu Chi General Hospital in Hualien, Eastern Taiwan where they had a brain simulation electrode implanted in their brain to control the spasms caused by the disorder.

“My heart ached when I saw the wounds on their heads after the operation but I’m very thankful to the doctors and nurses of Tzu Chi hospital. Whenever I bathe them, I would think how wonderful it would be if they were healthy and normal - just like other kids!” Mrs. Phua said as tears welled up in her eyes. “I cannot bear to see them in pain, so I will do anything to help them reduce their suffering no matter how tired I am or how difficult it seems,” she continued, referring to the past when she had to carry them in her arms several times throughout day and night when they had muscle spasms.

Mr. Phua recalled that he had to stop work temporarily in order to take care of the siblings. A man of few words, the father is very sensitive towards his children’s needs and could understand what they need simply by observing their gestures and expressions. The parents also commented that the siblings are filial as they would often remind them to take a rest or have their meals. This is something that warms their hearts.

Before the family left the hall, the paper cranes made on that morning were presented to them, much to their delight. When the children were asked to share their thoughts and feelings after the guests had left, 11-year-old Toh Yong De, an active romping boy, said quietly, “I was very touched.” Such were the simple heartfelt words of a child.

All children are born with pure and innocent hearts. They can be nurtured into individuals who are able to find their respective roles in life and help to contribute to the betterment of humankind if they are given proper guidance and support. If they are raised in an environment filled with loving kindness, they will learn to love, respect and protect the environment and their loved ones.