Extraordinary will-The Dialysis patient, Gurdip Singh
In Tzu Chi’s dialysis center in Butterworth, Malaysia there is a man named Gurdip Singh, who has suffered many illnesses since his youth: before he was 20, he underwent five major surgeries, one of which removed his right liver when he was 17. Unfortunately, the disease still spread, attacking his other kidney, and so at 22, Gurdip required dialysis to survive. The burdensome procedure caused great strain both for the man and his family. Fortunately, Tzu Chi stepped in to provide free treatment, giving Gurdip a steady spiritual crutch to lean hard upon. Now Gurdip works in the insurance industry, and, in his free time, helps others as he has been helped.
Every week at this time .Gurdip Singh shows up to help ferry these children around,and to put on a uniform to play the role of teaching assistant.
Dialysis patient, Gurdip Singh :”This makes me more physically healthy, and of course, as a dialysis patient, it’s something very tough, but I take it as simple.”
Each time one hears Gurdip speak so plainly even old friends have a hard time believing the optimism of this dialysis patient of so many years.Slight and sickly,hospitals are his most familiar haunt.Though young,Gurdip has already completed five major surgeries,one of which removed his right kidney, at 17 years of age.It was hoped the procedure would halt the illness threatening him,but soon the sickness spread to his other kidney,
and today, Gurdip must undergo dialysis.
Dialysis patient, Gurdip Singh :”I have to go for dialysis, I was very upset and I was crying. I said not me again. This is not the right thing, because I’m studying now, and I need to help my family. In my life, to become an engineer. So this is not the right thing to happen. Why should I?”
The time of deepest darkness
It was at this time of darkness a doctor recommended his case to Tzu Chi,who immediately brought him relief and care.
Gurdip and his family would not need to worry again over his treatment fees.With Tzu Chi looking after his dialysis,Gurdip started to open his heart to the love around him,while the Master’s Dharma slowly cleaned his troubles away.Step by small step,Gurdip Singh emerged from the darkness,to view the true bounties of his life and loves.
Dialysis patient, Gurdip Singh :”Saving 50 cents, from there I learn. Today people help me when I was sick, people contribute either one ringgit or two ringgit, so today is my time. Although I didn’t save much, at least I saved a little bit. It’s a small amount but you feel happy, because you have done something good in your life. ”
Learning to accept goodness
Although he now accepts free dialysis treatments,Gurdip Singh has also taken away good life lessons.Following friends’ advice, he now works in the insurance industry. Refusing to be disabled by his illness,Gurdip is pushing himself to remain a productive member of society and be the exception to his illness’ rule.
Supervisor, Kumaresen :”He’s a slow and steady guy; although he’s a dialysis patient, I understand that some of the dialysis patients are not really well enough to go out to do their business or whatever it is. But he has a positive mind attitude, there’s always hope for him you know, so he’s doing quite well.”
Knowing the value of community
Gurdip Singh knows well the cost of dialysis,and that his is the gift of true community. So when Tzu Chi holds an event,Gurdip can be counted upon to always help out.These days, when he meets up with a patient
who’s lost hope, Gurdip will share with him his own experiences, to encourage them to look to a brighter future.
Dialysis patient, Gurdip Singh :”I feel that don’t ever give up in life, you do until the maximum, and you don’t’ worry, that’s my philosophy.”
