Yee Sooi Siam (71 years old)
I was admitted to the Sungai Buloh Settlement in 1964, when I was only nine years old. It was my father who brought me to this settlement for treatment.
Life was really tough when I was little. By the age of six, I had to follow my grandfather to the rubber plantation to gather firewood for cooking. After coming home, I’d often get scolded by my mother. Life was truly difficult. Even before I fell ill, my mother didn’t care for me; after I got sick, she despised me even more. She once told me to go to Pulau Jerejak and never come out again.
At 19, I met my husband, and that was when I started participating in temple activities. Every 1st and 15th of the lunar month, I would set aside a bit of money to buy vegetarian ingredients and have a meal at the temple. When the temple was recruiting members, I joined with a group of friends—Ah Sao, Ah Tai, Poh Choo, Tai Shan, Tan Hing, Choy Fah—we would eat vegetarian and worship together on those days.
In the early years, I earned a small income by helping people transfer flower plants—just five cents a day. But whenever I saved a little, I would donate to the temple. If I had more, I gave more. Wesak Day has always been the most festive occasion in our community.
When I was 15, I was selected to play the role of the Golden Boy beside the Goddess of Mercy on a float during Wesak Day. My friend Lian Hua played the Jade Girl. My prop was a brush, and I only had one line: “Amitabha.” We stood on either side of Guanyin, riding on a lorry through the streets. The one playing Guanyin was Swee Hwa. Along the way, many people stood by the road to watch. Accompanying us were the “Seven Fairies,” all beautifully dressed.
I enjoy pastel painting and craft workshops. Unfortunately, my presbyopia is getting worse, and I injured my leg, so I haven’t been able to attend classes. I hope to recover soon so I can go back and continue learning.
For this Wesak Day, I drew a bodhi leaf and carved a lotus flower piece for the exhibition. I pray that the Buddha will bless everyone with peace and smooth days ahead. The old friends I live with—we’ve known each other for decades. I sincerely wish them all long life and good health.