Spreading Love Across Lynwood Park
The
Bayshore community Tai Chi team gave a splendid performance.
(Cameramen: Hou Chili)
LYNWOOD PARK, Canada - On the afternoon of June 12th, ten
Tzu Chi volunteers from Ottawa along
with sixteen members of the Bayshore community Tai Chi team
(seniors from age 60 to 76) went to visit the Lynwood Park
Lodge, a retirement center. It was an intimate two-hour gathering
that mixed Eastern and Western culture.
When they arrived, the volunteers were greeted by a full house
of lively seniors. As Sister Shi Zi's announced that the program
was starting, the entire hall immediately resounded with warm
applause.
Tzu Chi sisters with castanets, bells, and other percussion
instruments opened the event with the lively rhythm "We
are family". Everyone then participated in a sign language
song. The scene was filled with joy as everyone sang and signed
excitedly.
The entertainment continued with a tap
dance, a piano performance, more songs, a Tai Chi demonstration,
an accordion performance, a guitar performance, and old romantic
songs. The final act was a sign language song "The Three
No's". ("The Three No's" is a song about how
there is no one we should not forgive, trust, and love.)
The performances lasted for more than two
hours during which the residents actively interacted with
each other. The atmosphere was warm and a feeling of harmony
prevailed. At the conclusion of the performance, an elderly
gentleman couldn't contain his joy. He took Sister Lian's
hand and started a lively waltz.
The rest of the residents filled the hall
with their whole-hearted applause. They stood up to hold the
volunteers' hands and expressed their gratitude repeatedly.
They were reluctant to say goodbye and expressed a wish to
see their visitors again soon. They were truly a heartwarming
group.
This activity helped the community volunteers
experience the joy of giving. It is our hope that this joy
will spread to new volunteers and be an impetus for more people
to join in doing good deeds.
