A Dim Light Shines Bright Again, The Story of Yopi Who Found His Will to Live Once More

Journalist : Khusnul Khotimah, Photographer : Felice (He Qi Cikarang), Khusnul Khotimah

After regaining his clear vision, Yopi also rediscovered his zest for life. He could return to work and pursue the dreams had been put on hold.

There was nothing more fulfilling for the Tzu Chi Indonesia medical volunteers (TIMA) than witnessing patients who received treatments in Tzu Chi Health Social Service, regaining their health and continuing their lives with renewed enthusiasm. This happiness was also felt by Dr. Ruth O. Anggraeni, Nurse Weni and Tami, also Lili Tedja, a Tzu Chi Volunteer from Cikarang when they visited Yopi Rustandi (41), a resident of North Cikarang on Monday, August 18, 2024.

On June 29, 2024, Yopi underwent cataract surgery at the 143^rd Tzu Chi Health Social Service held at Sentra Medika Hospital in Cikarang. The result of the surgery on his right eye was significant, allowing him to see clearly again.

“Compared to when we met during screening, your face looks very different,” Dr. Ruth said to Yopi. Nurse Weni and Tami nodded their heads in agreement. They were also thinking the same thing. Yopi himself smiled broadly.

Dr. Ruth, the CEO of TIMA Indonesia chapter, still vividly remembered Yopi’s weary expression during the screening. The white spot which was visibly present in Yopi’s right eye made him appear a bit awkward and nervous. But now, Yopi looked cheerful and happy.

“Alhamdulillah, I am so happy to be able to see again. I want to express my deepest gratitude to the doctors from the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation for visiting my humble abode,” Yopi said.

Dr. Ruth O. Anggraeni, Lily Tedja, Nurse Weni and Tami felt grateful seeing Yopi’s current condition, as his quality of life has significantly improved after the cataract surgery.

In the modest house he inherited from his grandmother, Yopi who was an eldest child lived alone. His younger siblings were already married. Not only can he see clearly now, but the most significant change in Yopi’s life after the cataract surgery was that he has regained his zest for life. For the past three weeks, he had found a job that supported his livelihood.

“I have the drive to work again and finally, Alhamdulillah, someone offered me a job. I’m happy beyond words,” he said.

Yopi now works as a document delivery courier at a land registry office. In addition to that, during his spare time, Yopi was often asked to deliver furniture by the owner of a nearby furniture shop.

“If their driver goes back to his hometown and there is no driver left, they would ask me. Alhamdulillah, I can earn enough to eat, so I don’t have to worry anymore. If we want something but don’t make an effort that counts as being unfair to ourselves, so I’m not ashamed to do any kind of work,” Yopi said.

With his income, Yopi could also share with his nephews and nieces, which has strengthened their family bonds. “So now we help each other within the family,” he added.

When his right eye was affected by cataract, Yopi had no interest in leaving the house since it made his head feel dizzy. But now, he can reconnect with others. “In the future, if I’m fortunate enough I hope to start a family where we can help and complete each other,” continued Yopi.

During the volunteers visit, Yopi received rice and various essential supplies.

Hearing Yopi’s happy story, Dr. Ruth felt truly grateful. “Once again, our main goal of organizing this social service is to change someone’s life, their work, or their future. To transform someone who had no hope into one who has. That brings me a special kind of joy.”

Nurse Weni felt the same way. “His hopes, like many others, are to start a family and work, and now he can do all of that. Seeing someone have great hope for a better future makes me even happier. Especially since Yopi once felt hopeless, but through our social service, he found a connection with Tzu Chi and regained his hope,” Nurse Weni said with a smile.

“What we have prepared and done for the social service brings us happiness, seeing the patients’ lives change for the better. We are also grateful because, through patients like Yopi, we can help make his dream come true. It is a blessing for us to help those in need,” added Tami, the secretary of TIMA Indonesia chapter.

Yopi right before entering the surgery room, had his feet cleaned by his loving sister. For Yopi, the Tzu Chi Health Social Service has been an incredible blessing in his life.

By joining the Tzu Chi Health Social Service, Yopi also learned about the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation Indonesia, which sincerely strives to help those in need. Yopi was also ready to join in Tzu Chi charity events if invited.

“I would really like that. The fact that I can see again is due to the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation. If they ever need my help, I would be very grateful. That means that they trust me,” Yopi remarked.

Lily Tedja, one of Tzu Chi volunteers from Cikarang felt deep joy seeing how Tzu Chi Health Social Service could transform someone’s life into something much more meaningful, as she witnessed firsthand. “The recent social service in Cikarang was truly extraordinary. It was like many dim lights were rekindled in their lives and it is so incredible,” concluded Lily Tedja, feeling genuinely happy.

Translator: Putri (Tzu Chi Palembang)